Jack Varsalona

Early life and career

Born in 1948 in Wilmington, Delaware, Varsalona attended the University of Delaware, where he received his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. A lifelong educator and administrator, Varsalona served as the Director of Development at the University of Delaware from 1978–81 and served as a key education aide in the cabinet of former Delaware govenror Pierre S. du Pont. Varsalona subsequently served as the principal of Wilmington's Ursuline Academy private school from 1975 through 1978; during this time, he was a frequent adjunct professor, as well as an administrator, at what was then Wilmington College in New Castle, Delaware.

Varsalona's career with Wilmington College in an administrative capacity began before the end of his tenure at Ursuline Academy, when he took on the role of an assistant to the state superintendent of schools for Delaware in 1984. He became the school's executive vice president for academic and student affairs in 1987, and was quickly promoted to the role of executive vice president and provost of the College. In 2005, Varsalona was named the third president of Wilmington University, following the retirement of long-time president Dr. Audrey K. Doberstein.

Varsalona's tenure at Wilmington University has seen dramatic changes in the student body and the school's overall presence. Two years into his tenure, in 2007, Varsalona oversaw the transition of Wilmington College into Wilmington University. During his more than a decade as the university's President, Varsalona has nearly doubled enrollment and has guided the university toward expansion to new campuses, as well as partnerships with existing community colleges, in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Varsalona was named the top-paid leader of a private college or university in 2012. His compensation package of $5,449,405 in 2014 made him one of the highest paid college presidents in the United States.

In 2016, Varsalona announced his retirement, which is scheduled for June 30, 2017. He will be succeeded by LaVerne Harmon.

Awards

During his tenure as President of Wilmington University, Varsalona was awarded the inaugural Rev. Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award, given to Italian-American community leaders who use their position to promote Italian culture and values in the communities they serve. Varsalona also received the Community Leadership Advocate award on behalf of the Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County. The award was given to Varsalona in appreciation of Wilmington University's scholarship programs, many of which directly benefitted employees and volunteers involved with the local chapter of the Goodwill.

Advocacy of independent higher education

In 2009, Varsalona, along with the presidents of Goldey-Beacom College, Wesley College, and the Delaware College of Art & Design, formed the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. According to Varsalona, the association was formed to "promote job growth, educate citizens about the advantages of private higher education and give students more options." Members of the association also agree to share resources with each other when and where necessary. Since the formation of the organization in 2009, Varsalona has served as its chairman.

Education and Community Leadership