James L. Narduzzi, outgoing SPCS dean
July 31, 2015, is Jim Narduzzi’s last day serving as dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. He’s served since July 1, 1994: that’s 21 years of service to the school that’s been known as University College, the School of Continuing Studies, and the School of Professional and Continuing Studies during his tenure as dean.
You don’t stay 21 years in a single position at a single location without making a significant impact on the institution and its people. Dean Narduzzi is no exception — his service to the School and the University has influenced thousands of students, hundreds of faculty members, dozens of staff members, and no fewer than three University presidents (Dr. Morrill, Dr. Cooper, and Dr. Ayers).
During Dean Narduzzi’s last time presiding over SPCS Night, President Ayers, an invited guest speaker, shared that he’s learned nearly all he knows about professional and continuing education from Dean Narduzzi. Narduzzi himself will admit only to learning about professional and continuing education from the likes of Dr. Modlin, the Richmond president who founded University College, and Dr. Heilman, the Richmond president who brought University College on the Richmond campus.
He sells himself short, as his experiences at American University and Hartford University, his service to the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), and his network of higher education colleagues from both traditional and nontraditional institutions have all contributed to his understanding of and expertise in today’s higher education market.
We’re in luck, because Dean Narduzzi is not retiring from higher education. After stepping down as dean, he’ll take a well-earned yearlong sabbatical — although his 21 years of service could easily have earned him at least three years’ rest — and return to teach in the School. We’ll still have access to this wisdom, still be able to ask him questions about the market, and still be able to share with him an ice cold beverage at the golf course.
We’ve recorded some of those whose lives and careers have been influenced by Dean Narduzzi. This is our tribute to Dr. James L. Narduzzi, Dean.