Professor Combs has been an amazing teacher. She has helped lead and guide me as an aspiring Journalist in ways I can’t even imagine. She has polished me to become a better writer and to strive to master AP Style in a way that impacts the industry of journalism. Her experience and her words of wisdom have pointed me in the direction to succeed as a student now, and she has given me amazing tips for the future. Professor Combs is one of the best teachers I have ever had, always encouraging me to continue writing and to never give up. She always knew how to teach using her personality with a combination of her knowledge as a journalist.  She will forever be remembered here at Arkansas State for her constant loyalty, boldness, and diligence. Wishing her the best retirement, she deserved all the flowers for her amazing career.

Since my collegiate journalism career began, Ms. Combs has been one of my biggest supporters. 

So much of what I do and know today comes from her. Even when she would tear one of my stories apart during our weekly editor’s meetings, it never came from a place of meanness. She only did to make me better, and I don’t think I could have gotten this far without her encouragement, feedback and wisdom. 

Even at my current job, any time I think I’m finished with a story, I pretend I’m about to have Ms. Combs read over it and think, “What would she want me to change or add to this?” To that note, I usually find something to change or add, and the story ends up being so much better. 

I owe so much of my collegiate and professional success to her and I couldn’t have made this far without her. Thank you for everything Ms. Combs.

Ms. Combs was one of the most helpful professors I found at A-State. I took several of her classes and worked closely with her at The Herald. One thing I always liked and appreciated about Ms. Combs was she always pushed me and others to do better. She always had feedback on how to make your writing better. She always pushed people to want to do better. She instilled how important journalism was into everyone. She fostered creativity when it came to The Herald. Ms. Combs always was pushing for more unique angles for layouts for the paper. When it came time for me to graduate, she gave me a plethora of helpful advice for job interviews which I’m fairly certain helped me land the job I had today. I still refer to her advice even today when I’m writing. Her retirement is well deserved.

There aren’t words to describe how much Ms. Sandra L. Combs (don’t forget the L!) means to me. As a young, Black woman trying to find my place on campus, she was always an encouraging force in my world. Ms. Combs is a great example of a focused, determined and accomplished woman and I hope to be half the professional she is one day. On top of being a leader and guiding light in my academic ventures, she has also supported me in my endeavors beyond the classroom. It is truly a gift to know her. All the best to you in your next chapter, Ms. Combs, love you!