By Browning Brooks
FSU Communications Group
Her postcards to us in the Media Relations Office arrived annually, dependably, full of warmth and superlatives from some exotic paradise that had aroused such admiration she just had to share it.
"Hanging loose in Hawaii!" she exulted, as though we were family. "The people here in Bali are beautiful!"
Reaching out is Professor Emma Kittles' way. She is a rare treasure, a devoted teacher who affects students so profoundly that she changes their lives and turns them into lifelong friends.
Now, after 44 years in education in Florida -- first at the high school level, then as an associate dean of consumer science and technology at Florida A&M University's School of Agriculture, and finally 16 years at Florida State -- Kittles is retiring from the FSU College of Human Sciences at the end of the fall semester. It's difficult to picture.
"Teaching has been my life," she said recently, "and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the students and working with people with physical and mental disabilities."
A vigorous person who tirelessly promoted her college, Kittles is well known for her public service work with the disabled. She wrote and produced at personal expense The Handbook for Parents of Children with Handicaps and Disabilities. The booklet describes disabilities children may have and shows ways to modify their clothing to overcome obstacles.
Kittles won "Teacher of the Year" awards from her students in 1983, 1984 and 1986, and the "University Teaching Award" in 1993.
"Her rapport with students was extraordinary," said Dr. Freddie Groomes, assistant to the president for human resources, who studied under Kittles as a married, returning student. "She had such caring, thoughtful, supportive ways."
"She is a very genuine person," said senior fashion merchandising major Kisha McNealy. "She is always smiling and bubbly and very funny."
That zest once landed Kittles on stage at "The Price is Right," where she proceeded to steal the show from host Bob Barker, whom she had in stitches.
Kittles credits the students with keeping her young. "They made me feel like I was contributing to their lives."
With them in mind, she and the other love of her life, husband Costa "Pop" Kittles -- former longtime baseball coach at FAMU -- endowed the Emma and Costa Kittles Scholarship in Human Sciences by contributing $10,000.
"Dr. Kittles' commitment to education is exceptional," said Human Sciences Dean Penny Ralston. "She is passionate about teaching and helping students develop intellectually and professionally."
Kittles' last day is Nov. 30. She plans to spend a lot of time with her daughter, an ordained Episcopal priest in Washington, D.C., and her son-in-law.
And, of course, "I'm planning a lot of travel," she said.
Please, Emma. Keep those postcards coming.