Tom Stafford, Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, will be retire July 1 after 41 years of service to North Carolina State University.
After 30 years serving as Vice Chancellor, Stafford is retiring just before his 70th birthday. Replacing Stafford is Mike Mullen, who is currently the dean and the associate provost for the University of Kentucky’s division of undergraduate education and undergraduate studies. Mullen’s first day on the job here will be Aug. 1.
Stafford said the decision to retire now was based on several factors, both financial and personal.
“When you hit a certain age you’re unable to increase your Social Security funds, and I’m about to hit that age,” Stafford said. “Forty-one years and 30 years as Vice Chancellor is a long time. I’ve got some other things that I want to do. I have a wonderful house and boat down the coast, and I’ve got four grandchildren. It seemed like the right time.”
He may be leaving, but Stafford hasn’t had a change of heart.
“I still believe N.C. State is the most important institution in the state,” Stafford said. “What we do here is more important to the state and economy than any other university in the state.”
Though he is excited about the next chapter in his life, Stafford he said he wouldn’t stay away from the University for too long.
“I’ll miss the interactions that I have with N.C. State students the most, and interactions with my staff and other colleagues,” Stafford said. “I’m very much a people-oriented kind of person.”
While state law requires any retiree to limit interaction with their previous institution of employment for six months, Stafford plans to get involved as soon as possible.
“After Jan. 1 I hope I’ll be able to find some things to do to keep connected to N.C. State,” Stafford said. “Continuing with Belltower tours is a possibility.”
In the meantime, Stafford plans to enjoy his time away.
“I’m looking forward to being able to do whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it,” he said.
Andy Walsh, student body president, said his time with Stafford made him a better leader.
“Obviously, 41 years of service is something that is pretty incredible,” Walsh said. “His student-first mentality has always been inspiring to me. I had a great relationship with Dr. Stafford, and I respect him for challenging me as a student leader.”
Walsh is confident that Mullen will be a good addition to the University.
“I met with every single finalist candidate who came to campus,” Walsh said. “Mike was a great guy. I talked to him more than anyone else. I’m excited to have him on campus, he seems to get what students need here, and he’s going to put students first like Dr. Stafford did.”
Walsh said he is committed to ensuring that students maintain the connection with the administration that Stafford worked so hard to foster.
“Mullen’s job is the highest faculty position that students can directly connect to,” Walsh said. “I’ll keep the lines of communication open between students and their concerns. It’s important to me.”
Mike Giancola , associate vice provost and director of the Center for Student Leadership Ethics and Public Service, said Stafford has impacted the University in many ways.
Giancola cited Stafford’s signature “students-first” philosophy, as well as his leadership on issues like diversity and equity. Giancola said that Stafford has always expected his staff to exhibit that same leadership.
“His approachability and accessibility to students is something he’ll be the most remembered for,” Giancola said.
Mullen’s role at the University isn’t the only change of the summer. A merger of the former divisions of Undergraduate Academic Programs and Student Affairs is under way. The new Division of Academic & Student Affairs will officially merge July 1.
“I’ve met Mr. Mullen for just a short period of time,” Stafford said. “I’m very pleased and very excited that he’s going to be here. I think he’ll learn very quickly and do a great job.”
While many are excited to welcome Mullen to the N.C. State family, Stafford’s retirement remains bittersweet.
“As I think back, the university has grown and changed since I arrived,” Stafford said. “We’re a much larger place now, we’re much more diverse, and we’ve just grown better in virtually everything we do. A lot of progress, a lot of good things have happened.”