News Release
Contact
Nicole S. Rowe
Administrative Assistant,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
nicole.s.rowe@wilmu.edu
Dr. Joseph Deardorff Retires From Wilmington University
A retirement reception was held in honor of Dr. Joseph M. Deardorff, Dean of the Doctoral Studies program at Wilmington University. After five years at the University, Dr. Deardorff has announced his retirement effective July 31, 2008 and intends to do some traveling and spend time with his family.
“I would really like to thank everybody,” said Dr. Deardorff, “I have met a lot of good friends here and it is amazing how much Wilmington University cares about its staff and students.”
Dr. Deardorff started his career at Wilmington University as program coordinator of the Division of Education in July 2003. While there he helped create a Master’s and Bachelor’s program in Career and Technical Education. Six months later he was appointed the Dean of Doctoral Studies.
During the four and a half years that he served as the Dean of the program, a concentration in Organizational Leadership was added to the existing Educational Leadership concentration in the Ed. D. program. The Educational Leadership program meanwhile has been significantly modified to include rigorous standards-based coursework that addresses the requirements for NCATE accreditation, which the Division of Education received in 2007
Prior to coming to Wilmington University Dr. Deardorff served as the Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District where he previously had experience as its Deputy Superintendent and High School principal. He retired from the school district after 35 years of service.
“I hope to spend some time in Florida and get away from the cold,” says Dr. Deardorff on his plans for the future, “I’m going to enjoy not keeping any schedules and having time to play golf or see a Broadway show with my wife."
