A North Dakota State University administrator who led student recruitment efforts for 32 years will retire at the end of the year.
George Wallman, vice president for student affairs, announced Friday his retirement after 15 years in the position.
"He's a true pillar of the profession," said NDSU President Joseph Chapman. "He has had a huge positive impact on NDSU and the state of North Dakota."
NDSU's Dean of Student Life Prakash Mathew will succeed Wallman effective Jan. 1.
Since Wallman joined NDSU in 1973, enrollment has grown from 6,529 students to 12,099.
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Wallman supervises a division that provides a wide range of direct services and programs to students with a $41 million budget and more than 1,000 full-time, part-time and student employees.
Wallman said he is proud of his close relationship with students and the addition of the wellness center, a building that has become as important to students as the student union.
James Foertsch, finance commissioner for NDSU's student government, said Wallman regularly consults student leaders for input.
"He never did anything that wasn't in the best interest of students," Foertsch said.
Wallman's career in education spans 42 years, with his previous role as director of admissions for Luther College.
"He has a legacy here, so it's not easy to follow his path," said Mathew, who began his career at NDSU in 1976.
Chapman said Mathew is an effective leader and highly regarded as a student affairs professional.
During retirement, Wallman said he's looking forward to traveling, reading and spending more time with family. Wallman's wife, Joyce, retired in May from Ben Franklin Junior High School.
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One thing Wallman said he won't miss is monitoring severe weather and deciding when to cancel classes.
"I'm looking forward to sleeping through my first blizzard," he said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
