Hundreds of members of the university community gathered with friends, national colleagues, former students and family members on Aug. 25 in the Tate Student Center Grand Hall to celebrate the retirement of Vice President for Student Affairs Victor K. Wilson. Wilson will retire on Sept. 30, following 10 years as vice president and decades of service to UGA in roles such as director of new student orientation and assistant to the president.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead, left, speaks at a retirement reception for Victor Wilson, right. Wilson, who currently serves as vice president for student affairs, will retire Sept. 30. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)
Wilson’s leadership has forged numerous successes in student support, including major initiatives in student well-being and engagement, as well as advancements in communication with and outreach to students.
“I’m so excited about what comes next, and I honestly have no idea what that will be,” Wilson said. “Maya Angelou said, ‘At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did—they will remember how you made them feel.’ I hope I made you all feel special, just like you are making me feel today.”
The program included presentation of a proclamation by President Jere W. Morehead, as well as remarks by Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Jennifer Frum, Executive Director Emeritus of the University Health Center Jean Chin, and UGA alumnus Bart Newman. State Representative Houston Gaines concluded the presentations with an official resolution of the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing Wilson for his contributions to the State of Georgia and its citizens.
“He has given advice to students that has changed their lives, and he has done so in a way that is uniquely Victor in terms of his delivery, content, and often humorous approach,” Morehead said.
To formally recognize Wilson’s contributions, Morehead announced a campaign to name the Memorial Hall Ballroom in his honor. Morehead also informed Wilson that the university will bestow the official title of Vice President for Student Affairs Emeritus upon his retirement on Sept. 30.
“Victor has offered me sound advice and counsel, and he has always made my most difficult decisions easier by his laughter and his empathy,” Morehead said. “I will miss him as a colleague and loyal ally, but I will cherish his friendship always.”
Michelle Cook, UGA’s senior vice provost, steps into the student affairs VP role on Oct. 1.
