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Ed Spencer, the vice president of student affairs, announced his retirement yesterday after nearly 30 years at Virginia Tech.
Spencer said he plans to retire by June 30, 2012. Afterward, he said he is looking forward to having more free time to spend with family.
“I’m going to do what I want to do, when I want to do it,” Spencer said.
Spencer said he wants to see more of his grandchildren, become more involved with his fraternity Sigma Chi, and travel.
The class of 2012 chose Spencer as its sponsor and surprised him at its ring dance with a 2012 class ring.
“I now wear my undergraduate ring on one finger and my 2012 VT on the other as my retirement ring,” Spencer said.
Spencer came to Tech on Jan. 1, 1983, as the director of housing and dining services. Previously, he worked in student affairs at the University of Delaware for 12 years.
“My wife and I were struck by the beauty of this place,” Spencer said, adding that he had not heard of Tech before being invited to campus for his initial interview.
But working with college students was not always on Spencer’s mind. He originally went to medical school.
“I realized after I was (in medical school) that my calling was working with college students,” Spencer said. “I realized a little later than I should to follow my heart. I’ve never had any doubts since.”
During his time at Tech, Spencer played a major role in changing the dining program on campus.
“The awards that the dining program has won and being handed that program and being able to turn it around — that’s really a dream come true,” Spencer said.
Spencer said the university will conduct a nationwide search in coming months for his successor.
“The goal is for the provost, with the help of the search committee, to select someone by mid-to-late-spring semester,” Spencer said.
A version of this article appeared in the Oct 18 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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Good. So long, jerk.
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I won't agree or disagree with you, but what is your justification for that statement? Posting that by itself just makes you look like an idiot.
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This guy is a jerk or at least his policies are. They ripped $300 off from me out of my meal plan one Spring semester 2 years ago because I didn't buy another meal plan in the fall mostly because I thought those $300 would roll over and be enough.It was not even the end of the academic year and they wouldn't let me use my roll over dollars.
After me complaining to that department didn't do anything, my parents called and they basically said tough luck without a lawyer. Since then I've stopped eating on campus because the prices are way too high anyway. $16.00 for D2 dinner...really!?
Also he continually ignores the overcrowding student housing problem that results in students having to share rooms with RA's and students use study rooms as their dorms. This has been happening every year since 2006.
"Spencer said he wants to see more of his grandchildren, become more involved with his fraternity Sigma Chi"
That also says enough...wanting his children to be involved in an exclusive Greek fraternity. Let that be their choice, Greek life is overrated anyway.
Hopefully the next guy will make some changes.
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I’ll assume you haven't met Dr. Spencer in person, so I suggest you attend the "VP is In" session Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Deet’s Place from 3:30-5:00. Spend some time talking with him. After doing so, you'll understand how off base your statement is.
It's not Dr. Spencer's fault you can't read a mealplan contract. Don't take your ignorance out on him. If you didn't renew your meal plan, the funds weren’t available to use. When making a financial commitment over $1,000, as most mealplans are, it's advisable to do one's homework.
Regarding overcrowding, there is only so much residential space available on campus. New Hall West recently opened, in 2009. AJ is currently being renovated. It sucks that there isn't more housing, but this is a simple supply/demand issue, and demand outstrips supply at present. That's not Dr. Spencer's or even his department's fault. It's a sign on-campus housing is popular. There are no quick solutions to this problem. The temporary fix involves shared rooms and study lounges. If that doesn't work for you, move off campus.
Regarding retirement activities, reread the article. Dr. Spencer wants to spend time with his GRANDchildren, AND become more involved with Sigma Chi, AND travel. Sounds reasonable to me. When I reach retirement age, I plan to spend time with family, travel, and probably reconnect with Tech. What do you see yourself doing?
Your bias against Greek life isn’t worth addressing here, but shows your closed-mindedness. Think before you post again.
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Dr. Spencer has been a great asset to Virginia Tech and he leaves behind a legacy and some big shoes to fill. Good luck in your retirement and don't be a stranger to the campus community, Dr. Spencer.
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