Jamestown  (CSi – UJ) – University of Jamestown President Robert S. Badal announces he will retire effective Feb. 28, 2018, after serving as President since 2002. “I have had the rare chance to take a small but historic institution to a higher level, and I have remained steadfast in that honorable pursuit,” he says.

Under Dr. Badal’s leadership, the University has experienced growth in enrollment, endowment, academic programs, and extracurricular offerings. Jamestown College has become the University of Jamestown during his tenure, a new campus in Fargo is home to three graduate programs, and a second successful Capital Campaign is entering its final stage with $50 million in cash and pledges towards a $60 million goal.

Six new buildings, two acquired apartments, and multiple renovations and additions have expanded and transformed the historic campus. The endowment of the University has more than doubled since his arrival, and enrollment is at a multi-year high of 1,136 students.

“President Badal has done an outstanding job leading the development of the University,” says Jim Unruh, Board of Trustees Chairman. “His leadership in all areas, from the strengthening of academic programs, including the offering of graduate programs, to increased enrollment, greater financial strength, and expansion of the campus footprint, are all reflected in the change of status from college to university.”

Next week, the University will dedicate its newest building, the Harold Newman Arena, as part of an all-school celebration and Homecoming. “The faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of this University are an amazing source of strength in support of my efforts,” Dr. Badal says. “My administrative team through the years has performed the heavy lifting for all of us. I am indebted to so many for their faith and support. Donna’s and my devotion to UJ has little to do with employment –it is a calling.”

The Board of Trustees will consider plans for presidential succession at their meeting on Sept. 29. Dr. Badal is a native of Chicago and has doctoral and master’s degrees in theatre from Northwestern University. He came to Jamestown from Stephens College, Columbia, Mo., where he was provost and acting president. He previously served in administrative positions and as a member of the faculty at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

 

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) — Longtime University of Jamestown President Robert S. Badal says he will retire next year.

Badal announced Thursday that he will retire effective Feb. 28, 2018. He has been president since 2002.

In a statement, Badal says he has had “the rare chance to take a small but historic institution to a higher level.”

During Badal’s tenure, the university has seen growth in enrollment, endowment, academic programs and extracurricular offerings. Jamestown College became the University of Jamestown during his presidency, and a new campus in Fargo is home to three graduate programs.

The university’s endowment has more than doubled since Badal became president, and more than 1,100 students are enrolled.

The Board of Trustees will consider plans for selecting a new president at its Sept. 29 meeting.