Senior Adviser to President Retires after 30 Years

By Tom Gresham

Kay Drinkwater worked in the president’s office at VCU for 30 years, but when she looks back on her tenure “it’s all a blur.”

That’s because the pressing and ever-changing demands of the office kept her focused and busy for those three decades. Drinkwater retired this month, ready to slow down finally to spend more time traveling, gardening and visiting with her friends and family, including a young granddaughter and four adult children, who each live in the Richmond area.

Drinkwater, who finished her career in the role of senior assistant to the president and director of business affairs, said she reveled in the dynamics of the president’s office, especially its “energy and vibrancy.” She said she particularly loved the experience of watching the germ of an idea transformed into a grand, far-reaching reality.

“I found a career I loved there,” said Drinkwater, a VCU alumna. “No two days were ever the same. That office is really the pulse of the university. You get to see things develop from start to finish. And you go from one opportunity to another. You always have something important to do.”

Drinkwater said she welcomed the opportunity to be in such a scrutinized and influential place – “a fish bowl,” she called it.

“It’s where the action is,” Drinkwater said.

Drinkwater served three presidents during her tenure – Edmund Ackell, Eugene Trani and Michael Rao. She said she learned a great deal from each, as well as from her many colleagues.

“I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful and talented individuals,” Drinkwater said. “It’s been a very stimulating and educational experience.”

Drinkwater and her husband, Calvin, plan to remain closely connected to VCU, including steadfastly attending basketball games as season-ticket holders.

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