NORTH AUGUSTA --- Every day gets the Sunday treatment in Ronald Coleman's world. He walks North Augusta High School's halls dressed in a suit, cuff links and tie.

"We call him Regis Philbin," Principal Kyle Smith said. "He's always dressed to a tee, but when he leaves, we tell him the rest of us won't be so poorly dressed. His presence will be missed."

Dr. Coleman will take his last walk through the school tonight with the graduating seniors. Facing retirement, he says it's better to leave as you're being begged to stay.

Since starting at the school in 1992, he has put on many hats, including study hall monitor, attendance clerk, bus driver and safety monitor.

While his role isn't that of a traditional educator -- his doctorate is in divinity -- peers say his influence is reflected in the way he dresses and carries himself.

"While he has a position where it seems like it doesn't affect education, he's taken on the role of being an encourager and keeping students in line in a positive way," Mr. Smith said.

Dr. Coleman's involvement in Aiken County schools began as pastor of Valley Fair Baptist Church in Graniteville. He volunteered at Leavelle McCampbell Middle, just trying to give back, and was recommended for a job at North Augusta High. It was perfect because he could stay involved in the school system and out of the way of his own children, he said.

"Working with kids is more hands-on. I love it," he said. "Even in the halls, they'll come up and talk to me; it's the most rewarding aspect."

He has even had students seek him out outside school. Not one month has gone by since working at the high school that at least one student hasn't attended his church services, he said.

"I like to deal with the problem kids," he said. "Many of them might have no dad in their life, and just by letting them talk to me, they'll open up from there.

"I've seen the changes and seen them go from bad behavior to setting a standard for themselves."

Staying in a full suit each day was Dr. Coleman's way of encouraging students to set standards, he said.

"I want them to know their pants can stay on their waist," he said with a laugh. "You just feel better when you're dressed well. It doesn't matter if you have money or not. I want them to be a leader, not a follower."

Though today will mark his last official day at the school, Dr. Coleman said he hasn't really said goodbye to students and faculty.

"I've just stayed in the routine," he said. "It's something you know will happen, but you can't get used to it."

Mr. Smith said he knows Dr. Coleman will come back for visits, but Dr. Coleman said he doesn't want students to hang on to high school in the same way.

"Once you graduate, you'll probably never see 95 percent of those people again. I teach them to hold on to the memories instead," he said.