For 38 years, York “Pep” Singleton has been dedicated to Georgia State University and the College of Law. Beginning in 1987, he started working in the housekeeping department in Kell Hall on the campus of GSU and eventually relocated to the Urban Life building on Decatur Street – where the College of Law was initially located.
“I only had one interview. I worked as a custodian for eight months, then moved to an AV/Tech for four years…I was also a continuing education supervisor,” said Singleton, who has answered the call and stepped into many roles at GSU. He contributes his success to being kind to everyone and maintaining a work/life balance. Singleton encourages others to network and be a team player because you cannot do it all by yourself.
“I wouldn’t change anything about my journey...Know your surroundings. Treat people right and put God first,” he advised.
Singleton cultivated many lifelong relationships at GSU. He met his wife Bolynthia in Kell Hall, and they have been married for 33 years. Back then, she was a part-time student studying respiratory care at Georgia State University School of Nursing.
“My wife supported me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” said Singleton, who also met his best friend Yolanda Travis, assistant director of the Law Help Desk at GSU.
"York Singleton is more than just a colleague to our College of Law community; he is the heart and soul of our everyday work life. His towering presence has been our comfort, his laughter has been our music, and his dedication has been our standard,” said Travis.
“To me, personally, York is not just a coworker but my best friend forever. His friendship has been a beacon during the darkest days and a celebration in the brightest. York embodies the spirit of what it means to be truly great—not just through his actions, but through his unwavering kindness and loyalty.” Travis said Singleton is irreplaceable and he leaves behind shoes too large to fill, along with a legacy that will inspire generations.
On paper, Singleton is the director of facilities but to the COL community, he is a super volunteer, a protector, an advisor and one of the biggest cheerleaders for students, faculty, staff and alumni.
On April 1, 2024, a chapter ended for Singleton, marking his last day on duty at the law school as he steps into the world of retirement. He took pictures, said his last goodbyes and a message was posted to the college’s social media channels informing followers about his retirement.
The College of Law community shared their words of encouragement and gratitude resulting in 529 reactions, 40 comments and 7 reposts on LinkedIn and 658 likes and 52 comments of appreciation on Instagram.
Professor of Law Emeritus Roy Sobelson wrote in a Facebook message:
“York’s contributions to the law school’s success and happiness of our students are immeasurable. What a loss for us all. Congratulations and all the best, Pep!”
York Singleton, director of facilities speaks at the COL Spring 2024 Commencement and Hooding Ceremony. Singleton retired from GSU on April 1, 2024.
Singleton received a standing ovation while being recognized at the College of Law’s Spring 2024 Commencement and Hooding Ceremony. And for the first time in history, he sat in the audience with his family, as a guest. He was dressed to impress with his navy-blue suit, GSU blue tie and his signature locs pulled back in a neat “fishtail.” He humbly wiped away tears of gratitude as Professor Tanya Washington gave a fitting introduction for the retiree.
“I met York over 21 years ago, when I first visited the College of Law for my interview in the Urban Life building. It was clear to me then that he was the eyes, ears, and heart of the school,” said Washington. “…His presence and willingness to anticipate and meet the needs of his colleagues and the students has earned him recognition as the unofficial dean of the College of Law.”
Before the unofficial dean approached the mic to say a few words, members of the College of Law staff and faculty helped him into his commencement regalia and presented a special stole with his last name and the official College of Law logo stitched on it.
“Oh my god, this is too much right here. I was just trying to retire, that’s all I was trying to do…,” joked Singleton as he went on to express his appreciation.
Although Singleton will not physically be present in the COL building, He made a permanent mark on the college and his accolades will forever be a part of its makeup.
Professor of Law Emerita Mary Radford presented an endowed locker to retiree York Singleton, COL director of facilities.
In 2015, the York Singleton Staff Award was established by the Black Law Students Association to recognize an extraordinary staff member who has shown great commitment to the BLSA community. A locker has also been endowed in the building for Singleton by Professor of Law Emerita Mary Radford along with a scholarship in his name.