Thursday's Internet Edition, May 15, 2008.
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“I’m elated, surprised and blown away,” Cockman said at a ceremony held in his honor at the high school Thursday.
The superintendent, who is retiring at the end of the school year, knew that he was being honored at a ceremony that morning, but did not realize that the new administration building was going to be named after him.
“Several months ago, the school board asked me to think about something special we could do for Dr. Cockman,” said Keith Tobin, assistant TCS superintendent, who will succeed Cockman upon his retirement. “We wanted to express appreciation for his leadership and all the time he spent here in service, not only to the school system, but the community as well.”
Cockman joined TCS in 1984 as principal of Thomasville High. After a stint as assistant superintendent, he became superintendent in 1991.
“We decided that since this is where Dr. Cockman started in our system, that it would be very fitting to name the new administration building in honor of him,” Tobin said. “It’s still under construction, but it’s going to be a fantastic place.”
Dirk Gurley, principal of Thomasville High who hosted the event had some kind words to say about his retiring boss.
“Dr. Cockman is definitely a man of vision,” Gurley said. “He is goal-oriented and expects his employees to be that way, also. Dr. Cockman is a very personable superintendent and teachers know that they can talk to him.”
Thomasville City Councilman Ricky Murphy works as a substitute teacher and has had plenty of talks with Cockman.
“Dr. Cockman was able to convince us on the council over the years of why we needed to fund his system the way we do,” Murphy said. “We see the products of that system, when they become productive people in the community.”
City Councilmen George Burton and Scott Styers also attended the ceremony. Mayor Joe Bennett was there, as well.
“I want to thank you for the leadership,” Bennett said to Cockman. “When you have a good team and a good program, you have a good leader.”
Susie Truell, chairman of the TCS board said, “It has been a joy to work with Dr. Cockman. He is a man who puts children first.”
Tobin noted that Thomasville High won 16 athletic championships during the 24 years Cockman has been involved with the school as a principal and system administrator.
“As a citizen of Thomasville, it’s a good feeling to know that you’ll see Dr. Dan somewhere in the city even after school is out,” said Cheryl Eaddy, vice chairman of the TCS board. “He’ll be at school board meetings, county commissioners meetings, churches or other places throughout the community.”
Davidson County Commissioner Don Truell presented Cockman with a walking stick, a standard gift of honor from Davidson County. He also read a proclamation from Gov. Mike Easely, awarding Cockman with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
“Dr. Cockman is a true leader in every sense of the word,” said James Carmichael, TCS associate superintendent. “He hires people to do the job, supports them in whatever way he can to help them be successful, and then gets out of the way while he lets them do their job.”
Cockman comes from a family that considered education very important. Between him and his four sisters, the Cockman siblings hold 16 college degrees.
“We feel fortunate to have a brother like Daniel,” said Dr. Lorna Cockman-Clack, currently chairperson of Moore County Schools. “He is a man of integrity, creativity and vision.”
Bennett knows a little something about an active retirement. The Thomasville mayor is retired from Duke Energy.
Bennett predicted an active retirement for Cockman as he said to him, “We know that you’ll continue to be around and can give that service in another way as you continue your time of retirement.”
When reached the Friday by telephone, Cockman said of the event, “It was certainly a pleasant surprise. I just appreciate having the opportunity to work in Thomasville and be a part of the community.”
Actually, the surprise went beyond the building name, the awards and the accolades.
“My children were all there, and I wasn’t expecting that,” Cockman said. “I’ve got three little-girl grandchildren and they were all together for the first time. One of them is only 2 months old, so this was a real highlight.”
Staff Writer Kevin Reid can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 230, or at reid@tvilletimes.com.