Former VSU President Dr. Ronald Zaccari Has Died

Dr. Ronald Zaccari was VSU's seventh president.

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- Please see the below statement from current VSU President Dr. Richard Carvajal on the passing of former VSU President Dr. Ronald Zaccari.

It is with much sadness that I am writing to share news of the passing of former VSU President Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari, who died November 29, after a short illness.

President Zaccari was a true difference-maker who had a deep love for this university. His long and impressive career in higher education included stops at Edinboro State College, the University of Colorado, and Southeastern Louisiana University, where he served as Professor of Art and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He then served as President of West Liberty State College in West Virginia before serving as VSU’s seventh president from January 2002 to June 2008.

During his tenure at VSU, President Zaccari completely transformed the look and feel of campus through the construction of the Student Union, four new residence halls, two parking decks, and the Blazer Boulevard Pedestrian Mall. He also remained a working artist throughout his presidency, and his paintings and sculptural works remain prominent across campus and throughout this community.

On a personal note, Ron and his wife Nancy went out of their way to make Cheryl and me feel welcomed here when we first arrived in early 2017. We were moved by their obvious love for VSU and for one another, and we truly appreciated their immediate and undying support. Among the artistic pieces President Zaccari created was his personal Presidential Medallion, which he donated for display in the renovated West Hall Executive Suite. That piece, which sits just outside my office, serves as a constant reminder to us all of what dedicated and caring leadership looks like.

Please join me in keeping Nancy, their sons Rick and Rahn, and all of their friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Richard Carvajal
President