BELL BUCKLE, TENN. – After nearly seven decades of service, Webb’s longest-serving employee, Dorothy Powell Elkins, will retire on August 29, 2025—her 99th birthday.
Over the course of her impactful 68-year career, Elkins—often referred to as Miss Dorothy—has worked alongside multiple heads of school and Board members as a trusted executive assistant, and most recently as an alumni research assistant. Since joining Webb in 1957, Elkins has become a steady presence and quiet strength across the generations.
“She was the first person I met on my arrival for an interview with Henry Whiteside in the spring of 1970,” recalls Webb alumnus George Johnson ’74. “She’s the one who makes The Webb School what it is.”
Throughout her tenure, Elkins’ impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the CASE Support Staff Distinguished Service Award and the naming of the Dorothy Powell Elkins Student Center on The Webb School’s 150-acre campus. Her legacy is defined not only by longevity but by loyalty, grace, and an unwavering love for the School in her hometown of Bell Buckle, Tenn. A long-time resident of Bell Buckle, Elkins shares a life of service with her late husband, James Elkins,
who founded the Bell Buckle Fire Department in 1950 and served as its chief for 42 years. As Webb bids farewell to a remarkable figure in its 156-year history, Elkins’ retirement stands as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on an institution and its people.
“Miss Dorothy’s commitment to The Webb School and our alumni is nothing short of inspiring,” said Director of Alumni & Development Jonathon Hawkins. “She truly represents the heart of Webb, reflecting our mission with her tireless work and strong moral compass. It’s been a privilege working alongside her in making Webb an even better place.”
In celebration of Elkins’ extraordinary commitment to The Webb School, the Office of Alumni & Development recently launched the “Get With It and Give: Dorothy’s Last Day” campaign, an initiative challenging the entire community to contribute 99 gifts in honor of Elkins between now and her 99th birthday. Alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends have also been invited to share photos and stories of Elkins with the School and to send birthday (or retirement) cards to Webb to be presented to Elkins on August 29 in front of Middle and Upper School students. In addition, a formal retirement celebration is being planned for Friday, September 12, from 4-6 p.m. in Webb’s William Bond Library. RSVP to Alyce Allen at aallen@webbschool.com by September 8.
Gifts in Elkins’ honor can be made online at webbschool.com/give, while cards can be mailed to The Webb School at 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, TN 37020 before August 29.
