WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A beloved Wichita State University professor died Sunday. Dr. James “Jim” Rhatigan served WSU for more than five decades. He was so respected that the Rhatigan Student Center was named for him.
When WSU hired him in 1965, at age 30, Rhatigan became the youngest Dean of Students in the nation. He was Vice President of Student Affairs from 1970 until 1996, then served six years as Senior Vice President. He retired from the position in 2002.
But he did not retire from the school. He was a consultant to the Wichita State University Foundation until his “final” retirement in 2014.
The Foundation said Rhatigan was regarded as “‘“the student’s best friend’ and an exemplar of integrity, compassion and principled leadership.” He worked tirelessly to increase access to education for tens of thousands of students.
As our university and community mourn his loss, we are reminded of his philosophy of service: ‘We are not always privileged to know the consequences of our acts, but we should be attentive to the possibilities they present.’ We remain inspired by Dr. Rhatigan’s passionate social advocacy and celebrate his legacy.”
Rhatigan entered hospice just two days before his death.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and everyone impacted by the incomparable Dr. Jim Rhatigan,” WSU posted on social media. “His influence on Wichita State and the entire community will not be forgotten.”
Matt Conklin, a former student body president, once called him the “grandfather of the student affairs profession.”
Rhatigan also served the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators for nearly 30 years. He won the Fred Turner Award in 1980 and the Scott Goodnight Award in 1987, making him the first to win both NASPA awards.
Former students and colleagues are remembering Rhatigan on the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement Facebook page, saying, “His dedication to Wichita State was overwhelming,” “Dr. Rhatigan was a pillar of WSU. He truly cared about the students and was always there for them,” and “A true servant leader and champion of students. Jim’s legacy will live on through many generations.”
Services for Rhatigan have not been announced yet.
