The Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies (MCCS) and the College of Fine Arts and Communication mourns the passing of Dr. Charles “Charlie” Flippen II on May 4, 2016.
An Eagle Scout, Charlie earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and then his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While an undergraduate, he qualified as a Rhodes Scholar finalist. To be considered for this prestigious award, a student must demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement, strong character, a commitment to others and the common good, and the potential for leadership. These traits served Charlie well throughout his academic career and life.
Charlie joined the MCCS faculty in 1979, where he taught journalism and photojournalism (his specialty) for many years. He became associate dean of COFAC (1998-2002), then served as interim dean (2002-2004). He was also chair of MCCS from 2001-2002 (while simultaneously serving as associate dean) and again from 2004-2009, when he retired due to his fight with Parkinson’s disease. This ability to effortlessly assume so many different roles and responsibilities led to his nickname “MPG:” Multi-Purpose Guy.
As chair of MCCS, Charlie balanced the needs and personalities of the largest department in COFAC, a task he accomplished with minimum conflict and genuine integrity. Dr. Brenda Logue, a longtime MCCS colleague, explained that Charlie embodied the “good mortal”-someone who is kind, just and humble. He was a leader who generated “a sense of peace and calm and a collegiality which allowed a diverse department to function amicably.” This sentiment was echoed by many other MCCS faculty members. Dr. Jung-Sook Lee said “Charlie’s gentle demeanor, sincerity and integrity were the source of stability and collegiality in the department. His genuine and supportive leadership style served the department well.” “Charlie was an extremely supportive department chair,” said Dr. Beth Haller. “He made sure faculty could pursue their interests in research and teaching. He was a strong advocate for all the faculty in the department.”
According to Dr. Richard Vatz “when there were people who did not know the right thing to do, he always did. I reference him as proof that a chairman can be good, smart, ethical and effective.” Dr. Flippen demonstrated the same skill at the college level. Denise Chlumsky (executive administrative assistant to five COFAC deans) recalled that “Charlie was a wonderful dean-the most lovely and kind man to work with.”
Charlie loved the music of Elvis Presley, visiting Graceland on many occasions–but he was more than a fan. He wrote a series of feature articles on people devoted to Elvis’s music and memory, who gathered at conventions to trade all sorts of memorabilia. Charlie’s son Carli Flippen remarked, “It’s easy to make fun of these folks. But what my dad learned from interviewing and surveying them, is that many of them became attuned to Elvis at meaningful points in their lives-the birth of children, the illness of a parent, the end of a marriage or relationship. Listening to the music helped them get through tough times or reminded them of good times. And it was that sort of connection my dad brought out in his writing.”
Charlie also loved great literature. His study was lined with bookshelves completely filled with the works of Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, William Faulkner, James Joyce and many others. His favorite author was Ernest Hemingway. He visited Hemingway’s home in Key West numerous times, and a sketch of Hemingway (done by Charlie’s wife Edia) held a prominent place in his study.
He is survived by his wife Edia Flippen, his son Carli Flippen and his grandchildren Lucy, Gracie and Asher.
