April 19, 2016
Marcia L. Battle; administrative assistant was known for her work ethic, warmth
Marcia L. Battle, a longtime administrative assistant who was a central office presence in the College’s departments of sociology and social work for more than 30 years, died on Jan. 13, 2016.
Ms. Battle began working as a senior secretary in the Department of Sociology in 1984 and later began supporting the social work department. She became principal secretary in 1989 and administrative assistant in 2000, leaving the College in May 2015 due to illness.
Ms. Battle was highly regarded for her ability to handle multiple responsibilities with a calm and pleasant demeanor. Known for having Animal Crackers and other treats on hand for faculty, students, and visitors, she had a warm and welcoming presence that put others at ease.
“Marcia was a mainstay of the departments her entire career at PC,” said Dr. Hugh F. Lena, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who taught in the sociology department for many years. “Careful in her work, patient with the faculty, and ever discreet, she held the first floor of Howley Hall together.”
Ms. Battle started working at the College as a young mother and saw the two departments she looked after go through many changes, noted Dr. Maureen C. Outlaw, assistant professor of sociology and department chair.
“She looked on as faculty got married, had children, travelled, retired — all the while making their lives at work run more smoothly, be it typing exams, copying, ordering supplies, fielding calls, maintaining files, and listening to us vent. She did everything from the mundane to the ridiculous, simply because she was asked to and/or wanted to be helpful,” said Outlaw.
Others in the two departments pointed out that Ms. Battle appeared to thrive on multi-tasking and remaining busy, saying she maintained an even-keeled and determined demeanor. She loved the busy environment, all the more so when groups of faculty and students hovered in her office, which colleagues referred to as the heart of the sociology and social work departments.
Her office was oftentimes a gathering place to have coffee and chat about news on campus and in the world, they said. Ms. Battle made people feel welcome and valued, and always had a smile and kind words to impart.
“In all the years I worked with Marcia, never once was she in a bad mood, never once was she cranky, never did she say no to anyone, and she always worked to accommodate everyone all the time — often when twelve things were happening all at the same time,” said Dr. Susan Grossman, assistant professor of social work and department chair.
Ms. Battle was candid about work challenges that bothered her, such as the rigor of registration days and adapting to computers, but she exhibited a determination “to keep up with the changing demands of her job,” in part because of her strong attachment to her departments and the College, said Outlaw. She called PC “her second home.”
A genuine spirit
What made Ms. Battle special was that she not only was a talented and efficient administrator, she also was “a caretaker” to faculty and students in the departments, emphasized Outlaw. She shared snacks and treats regularly, talked with enthusiasm about her daughter and three grandchildren, and was always interested in hearing about others’ family and personal lives.
“She was a true ‘people person,’” said Dr. Abigail T. Brooks, assistant professor of sociology and of women’s studies. “She was genuinely caring, concerned about others, nurturing, and thoughtful. Marcia had a wonderful sense of humor, and she and I enjoyed laughing at ourselves together. She was always so sweet and understanding and helpful about things like my forgotten office key (more than once) and giving me a stash of my favorite coffee flavors.
“Marcia was incredibly easy to talk to … she had unique gifts when it came to listening and empathy. She would always remember everything that was going on with you and let you know that she cared and was thinking about you.”
In addition to her family and PC, Ms. Battle had several other passions. She also loved to travel and loved spending time at the beach.
Ms. Battle, who lived in Cranston, R.l., is survived by her husband, Dennis Battle; her daughter, Candice; three grandchildren; two brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass was celebrated for Ms. Battle on Feb. 1 in St. Mary Church, Cranston.
