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When Delores Taylor came to Virginia Commonwealth University as an hourly career planning and placement counselor in 1979, she never imagined she would end her career as associate vice provost for enrollment services in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.

Taylor’s career at VCU has spanned nearly 35 years. She has held several positions, all in admissions, including director of undergraduate admissions, before her final role as associate vice provost.

In this role, she provided leadership in the development and implementation of the university’s enrollment plans, policies and service programs and coordinated marketing and undergraduate student recruitment, enrollment and recruitment initiatives with the individual schools, graduate school and international education. She also had oversight responsibilities for a wide range of academic and student services provided by the offices of Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, Records and Registration, and Student Accounting.

In honor of her retirement, the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management held a celebration on May 16 in the Commonwealth Ballroom at the University Student Commons. The ballroom was packed with well-wishers congratulating Taylor on her successful career and saying their goodbyes. Food and drinks were served while a slideshow of pictures played in the background.

When Taylor spoke, she thanked her family, friends and colleagues for their support over the years. “I really have been fortunate to have had outstanding career opportunities here at VCU,” Taylor said. “My experience has been very rewarding and I’m leaving with so many great memories. Over the years, I’ve seen many changes – buildings, the atmosphere and of course the people – and for me the people that I have worked with have just been really incredible and will always hold a special place in my life.”

 “I’ve worked with Delores, a.k.a. D.T., for many years,” said Henry Rhone, Ph.D., vice provost for student affairs. “She’s a walking historian and an encyclopedia on admissions. The growth in the number of students enrolled as freshmen can be traced though the career trajectory of Delores Taylor. She’s been the person making it happen. She’s been a consistent force to make sure that VCU stayed on its mission to increase the number of freshmen and to increase the average SAT score and grade point average of those incoming freshmen.”

Friends and colleagues in the division were united in their praise for Taylor as a positive influence in their careers and lives, who always encouraged them to grow and learn, and will be missed. This was followed by a surprise video, featuring Taylor’s friends and colleagues dancing to Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy” and holding up congratulatory signs.

“I hope I am truly remembered for having positively influenced others throughout my career, and that’s coworkers as well students, through my dedication, hard work and integrity. I am looking forward to retirement and I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing. This has been the best place in the world to work and I can’t believe it’s been almost 35 years.”

 

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