Joseph Marolla retires after nearly 40 years at VCU

By Mike Porter and Leila Ugincius

When Joseph Marolla, Ph.D., came to Virginia Commonwealth University as an assistant professor of sociology in 1975, his plan was to stay for a couple of years and then move on.
 
But sometimes plans change. Marolla stuck around and became chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in 1992, holding that position for nine years before overseeing the creation of the Center for Teaching Excellence in 2001. Marolla later became VCU’s vice provost for instruction and student success. His retirement from that position on Sept. 27 ended a 38-year-career at VCU.
 
“I have no idea what I’ll do. I really don’t,” said Marolla. “I’ve been working right to the very end. My wife and I plan to do a little traveling, and I will do some writing.”
 
The university wasn’t ready to let him go without one final celebration of his hard work and the legacy he leaves behind. The farewell kicked off with about 100 “Joe Marollas” — colleagues, friends, students and family holding masks with his likeness — staring down at him from the steps of the Scott House. But rather than celebrating his retirement, the Sept. 27 party — also featuring VCU cheerleaders and Rodney the Ram — was a celebration of 38 years of his visionary leadership, dedication and commitment to the university.
 
Beverly Warren. Ed.D., Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, reminded guests at the celebration that Marolla’s earliest successes took place inside of the classroom.

“I remember the Joe Marolla who was an icon in the classroom. People flocked to his classes,” Warren said. “This is a guy who could stand up in front of 300 students and captivate them so that they came again and again and again and the seats didn’t just disappear as the semester went on. People thought it was a real gift to be in that class.”

Marolla noted dramatic changes at the university during his career, including the growing physical footprint of the university, the transition of VCU from a commuter college to a major research university and the increasing quality of students, who he said are better positioned for success.
 
“We have excellent students who will be successful in the future,” Marolla said. “Our students think more critically and focus on how to be ready for a fast-changing world. And I’m happy to have worked my whole life to support that.”  
 
As vice provost for instruction and student success, Marolla oversaw University College, the Center for Teaching Excellence, the University Honors Program and the Office of Assessment. He also coordinated the Quality Enhancement Plan for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
 
Friends and colleagues in those programs said Marolla will be missed and has impacted their lives
 
“For me, perhaps the most important thing that Joe Marolla shares with us as part of his legacy is the fabric that he’s created here,” said Jeff Nugent, co-director of the Center for Teaching Excellence. “In our work with him really is the sense of care, compassion and understanding and loyalty that he shared with many of us.”
 
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