Ronald M. Zaccari, VSU’s seventh president who fundamentally changed campus by overseeing the building of the new Student Union, four new dormitories and two parking decks during his tenure, died Nov. 29 at the age of 87. 

Zaccari died after a short illness and is survived by his wife, Nancy and their two sons, Rick and Rahn. 

Zaccari served as VSU’s seventh president from 2001-2008, and during his time as president left a legacy of work, most of which still remains today. 

He first worked as faculty at universities such as Edinboro State College and University of Colorado, as well as nearly 20 years of work as a professor of art before working up to administrative positions such as Dean of the College of Education and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was also President of West Liberty State College in West Virginia from 1996 to 2001, shortly before becoming President of VSU. 

In his time at VSU, Zaccari oversaw the construction of four dorm buildings, the current Student Union and two parking decks. Enrollment increased nearly 14% during his time, and VSU won several awards on both state and national levels. 

According to VSU Archives, among these awards were “five Best Practice Awards from the University System of Georgia; two Best Practice Awards from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE); and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Christa McAuliffe Award in 2004.” 

During his time as president, he had a legal battle after a student sued him for violation of his First Amendment rights. The student was removed from VSU after allegedly making Zaccari feel “unsafe” after a protest against a proposed parking deck. The case concluded in 2015 with a settlement.  

President Richard Carvajal released a statement to the VSU community. 

 “Please join me in keeping Nancy, their sons Rick and Rahn, and all of their friends and family in your thoughts and prayers,” he wrote. 

Written by Bailey Wilson, Managing Editor. Photo courtesy of VSU.