Dr. Nowacyk noted that leading FSU for the past nine years was the honor and privilege of his career and remembers his time at Frostburg as the highlight of his life’s work. Together, with the assistance of the campus community, Dr. Nowaczyk accomplished much of which to be proud.

“His achievements were numerous and spanned decades. His impact on the lives of thousands of students over more than 45 years is immeasurable, as was his concern for and commitment to those students,” recalls Delia. “In nine years as FSU’s president, Ron transformed the University, always with the maximum benefit to students as his guiding light.” 

He oversaw the development of a comprehensive strategic plan to improve student success, strengthen communication and the governance process and enhance outreach throughout the region.

The University added two new nursing degrees to the already established Department of Nursing and created a streamlined pathway for undergraduate students to advance from a Bachelor of Science in Health Science directly into the FSU Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Thanks to Dr. Nowaczyk’s vision, FSU also now offers eight online certificates designed for working adults with an associate’s degree or equivalent credits and some relevant work experience.

The list continues. FSU and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) now offers an innovative joint Master in Environmental Management in Sustainability, and FSU’s collaboration with University of Maryland College Park allows students to spend four years in Frostburg while earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from College Park. FSU’s partnership with University of Maryland Eastern Shore allows students to become a pharmacist in six years by completing their undergraduate and doctoral studies seamlessly to reduce instruction time and costs.

Dr. Nowaczyk was also instrumental in creating pathways to encourage talented students to reach their dreams and stay in their communities. In 2023, FSU and the West Virginia School of Pharmacy (WVUSoP) entered a partnership that allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from FSU and their Doctor of Pharmacy degree from WVUSoP in just seven years. Additionally, through FSU’s partnership with the University of Baltimore School of Law, FSU students can combine a bachelor’s and juris doctor program in six years instead of the usual seven. Moreover, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) and Frostburg State University entered into a partnership that will better prepare Frostburg students interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine.

A big highlight of Dr. Nowaczyk’s time at FSU was the improvement and expansion of infrastructure on campus. A new Education and Health Sciences Center opened as did the first new residence hall in more than 40 years and a new public safety building.

Dr. Nowaczyk was proud of FSU for being the state’s only comprehensive higher education institution in Western Maryland and its unique position to serve as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the region. FSU received several grants during his tenure that will be used to install a clean energy microgrid on campus and grants to create a design for woody biomass heating on campus, replacing an aging set of oil-fired boilers. FSU was also offered the opportunity to host a Challenger Center facility that will be part of a national network focused on improving middle school students’ science education through NASA-developed hands-on science projects.

Anyone who knew Dr. Nowaczyk knew that he was an avid sports fan. So, it should be no surprise that another proud highlight of his time at FSU was when the University was accepted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association as a member of Division II, capping a 41-year run as a member of Division III.

“While those accomplishments are important, what’s more salient than Ron’s talent as a leader was his warmth and humanity as a colleague and friend,” said University System of Maryland Chancellor, Dr. Jay Perman.

Dr. Nowaczyk shakes hands with University System of Maryland Chancellor Emeritus Robert L. Caret at his Presidental Inauguration. 

As a result of all his accomplishments, Dr. Nowaczyk helped change and improve the lives of countless people. He was always confident that if Frostburg continued to fulfill its mission of being a student-centered teaching and learning institution providing experiential opportunities for students, that even in difficult times, the University would be successful. He held his students in highest regard and was always proud of their hard work and accomplishments while at FSU and beyond.

“You could credit Ron’s education and training in psychology with his ability to connect with people, to understand them, to listen to them. I tend to credit his fundamental kindness,” said Perman. “Ron’s leadership at Frostburg State was guided by his genuine feeling for others, a desire not to rule but to serve, to be of help. He carried in his heart the people on his campus and in his community, and every action he took as university president was intended to lift them up.”

“Ron had a deep love and commitment for his wife Maureen, and the enormous joy, pride and love he had for their son Jake, couldn’t be contained,” said Delia. “His humanity, his sense of humor, his kindness and the many conversations – about every topic imaginable – I had with Ron over nearly a quarter century of friendship is what I will miss most.”

In one of his final messages to the campus community, Dr. Nowaczyk was hopeful that we never lose sight of why we are all here – to prepare our future leaders to meet the challenges of a complex and changing global society, to keep FSU on a sustainable path for the future, and in small and big ways, make the world in which we live a better place.

This one’s for you Dr. Nowaczyk - Go Bobcats!