With Wilcox retiring, Student Affairs outlines transition

Michael Hagearty
Institute Communications and Public Affairs

	Lee Wilcox, at the newly constructed Campus Recreation Center.

With two weeks left in his professional career, you would think Lee Wilcox, who has served as Georgia Tech’s vice president of Student Affairs for the past six and one-half years, might be less busy.

Instead he’s preoccupying himself with projects — space issues, budget constraints, construction timelines — trying to leave a clean slate for his successor.

“I haven’t had time to pack yet,” he joked.

In April, Wilcox announced his planned retirement, which will become effective Dec. 31. Until a successor is named, Dean of Students Gail DiSabatino will assume his duties on an interim basis.

Wilcox was appointed to his position in June 1997. He played key roles in the development of the new Campus Recreation Center and in the Student Leadership Initiative, highlighting his advocacy for student interests.

“The learning environment of Georgia Tech is everywhere,” Wilcox said. “We contribute to that. What students take from their co-curricular experience is very important to their success in life.”

Other projects his office oversaw include the major grant obtained for Georgia Tech to reduce high-risk drinking, the Women’s Resource Center, Ramblin’ Nights, the When the Whistle Blows ceremony, and a broadened academic integrity initiative.

Graduate Student Government President Pelham Norville said, “Dr. Wilcox has served as a strong advocate for students. This may sound somewhat trivial since that is supposed to be his job as a professional, but it can be quite difficult for students to find someone who will consistently put themselves on the line for students, especially given the many viewpoints and stakeholders in Student Affairs.

“With respect to my involvement in student government and student leadership development,” he said, “Dr. Wilcox has been an advisor providing insightful counsel, while still allowing students to make their own decisions.”

To commemorate his tenure, the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Government Associations named an award in his honor. Each year, SGA will recognize those who have best demonstrated the principles of servant leadership with the Dr. Lee O. Wilcox Servant Leadership Trophy.

Ben Lawder, vice president of campus affairs for undergraduate student government, said “Dr. Wilcox has been a tremendous asset to our campus during his tenure at Georgia Tech. He strives to ensure that the student opinion is heard. He has helped the Institute leadership understand the importance of a vibrant campus life experience for our students and has worked with student leaders to bring these ideas to fruition. He will leave a great legacy in Student Affairs, and the students are extremely thankful for all that he has brought to Georgia Tech.”

In July, a committee of faculty, staff and students began a national search for his successor. Gary May, executive assistant to the president and head of the committee to find a successor, said the search has been narrowed to three candidates.

As is customary, the finalists will each be brought to campus for extended interviews. May anticipated this would occur in the early months of next year as schedules permit. Ultimately, the decision will be up to President Wayne Clough, who will use feedback from these visits to select the best candidate and make an offer.