Jack Varsalona

Jack P. Varsalona
3rd President of Wilmington University
Assumed office
July 2005 (2005-07)
Preceded by Dr. Audrey K. Doberstein
Personal details
Born Jack P. Varsalona
(1948-10-15) October 15, 1948
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Residence Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Alma mater University of Delaware
Profession College administrator, Academic
Website President's Message

Jack P. Varsalona (born October 15, 1948) is an American professor, college administrator, and the third president of Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware.

Early life and career

Born in 1948 in Wilmington, Delaware, Varsalona attended the University of Delaware, where he received his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. A lifelong educator and administrator, Varsalona served as the Director of Development at his alma mater and served as a key education aide in the cabinet of former Delaware govenror Pierre S. du Pont.[1] Varsalona subsequently served as the principal of Wilmington's Ursuline Academy private school from 1975 through 1988; during this time, he was a frequent adjunct professor, as well as an administrator, at what was then Wilmington College in New Castle, Delaware.[2]

Varsalona's career with Wilmington College in an administrative capacity began before the end of his tenure at Ursuline Academy, when he took on the role of an assistant to the state superintendent of schools for Delaware in 1984. He became the school's executive vice president for academic and student affairs in 1987, and was quickly promoted to the role of executive vice president and provost of the College. In 2005, Varsalona was named the third president of Wilmington University, following the retirement of long-time president Dr. Audrey K. Doberstein.[3]

Varsalona's tenure at Wilmington University has seen dramatic changes in the student body and the school's overall presence. Two years into his tenure, in 2007, Varsalona oversaw the trasition of Wilmington College into Wilmington University. During his more than a decade as the university's President, Varsalona has nearly doubled enrollment and has guided the university toward expansion to new campuses, as well as partnerships with existing community colleges, in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland.[2] For his efforts, Varsalona was named the top-paid leader of a private college or university in 2012.[4]

Awards

During his tenure as President of Wilmington University, Varsalona was awarded the inaugural Rev. Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award, given to Italian-American community leaders who use their position to promote Italian culture and values in the communities they serve.[5] Varsalona also received the Community Leadership Advocate award on behalf of the Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County. The award was given to Varsalona in appreciation of Wilmington University's scholarship programs, many of which directly benefitted employees and volunteers involved with the local chapter of the Goodwill.[6]

Advocacy of independent higher education

In 2009, Varsalona, along with the presidents of Goldey-Beacom College, Wesley College, and the Delaware College of Art & Design, formed the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. According to Varsalona, the association was formed to "promote job growth, educate citizens about the advantages of private higher education and give students more options."[7] Members of the association also agree to share resources with each other when and where necessary. Since the formation of the organization in 2009, Varsalona has served as its chairman.

References

  1. ↑ "Wilmington U. edges toward Pa. with plans for a 202 campus". Retrieved 2016-01-12.
  2. 1 2 wilmington%20u.%20edges%20toward%20pa.%20with%20plans%20for%20a%20202%20campus
  3. ↑ Wilmington University Magazine
  4. ↑ Heads of 36 private colleges earn more than $1 million
  5. ↑ "Wilmington University News Release - Dr. Jack Varsalona of Wilmington University Receives Inaugural Rev. Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award". Retrieved 2016-01-12.
  6. ↑ "Wilmington Univ. president wins Goodwill Advocate award". delawareonline. Retrieved 2016-01-12.
  7. ↑ "4 private colleges, universities form association". NewsOK.com. Retrieved 2016-01-12.
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