During his 35 years at VCU, Fred Hawkridge, Ph.D., has seen the university transform itself. And Hawkridge has been integral to that transformation.

Hawkridge, who has worked the past three years as interim dean of the College of Humanities & Sciences at VCU, retired June 30. He previously served as executive associate dean of research and graduate affairs in the college, and he has been a longtime professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

A central part of his legacy will be his strong advocacy over the years for promoting and increasing funded research by members of the Monroe Park Campus faculty, something that was not always a priority for non-medical faculty members. He also has been actively involved in creating new Ph.D. programs within the college.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of VCU moving from largely a commuter school to one with a mature standing in research, and a student-centered university,” Hawkridge said. “This university is one that pays attention to students and has a future as a key player.”

Among his many recognitions, Hawkridge is most proud of the honorary Ph.D. he received in 1993 from St. Petersburg University in Russia. He also was the recipient of two national awards, one from the American Microchemical Society in 2002 and other from the American Chemical Society in 2003.

“He has been a real asset to the institution throughout his career, and I admire him as a person of integrity,” said Dr. Beverly Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, who has worked very closely with Hawkridge in his role as interim dean. “He’s an outstanding scholar and researcher, and I have tremendous respect for his work, particularly that which advanced and provided opportunities for women and minorities in the sciences.”

According to Warren, Hawkridge has done a laudable job as interim dean, and has left the college in great shape and laid the foundation for a new dean to come forward. James Coleman, Ph.D., succeeds Hawkridge as dean.

On April 26, the College of Humanities and Sciences hosted a reception at the Scott House in Hawkridge’s honor, one that brought a packed house of colleagues and friends, and included words from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.

Despite missing the current day-to-day routine, Hawkridge looks forward to retirement and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

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