In Memoriam: Judith A. Ramaley

AAC&U mourns the death of Judith A. Ramaley. A distinguished fellow of the association and former member of its board of directors, Ramaley was a visionary leader who helped shape national conversations about higher education and the quality of student learning over several decades.

She was president and professor of biology at Portland State University (1990–97), the University of Vermont (1997–2001), and Winona State University (2005–12). She also served as assistant director for education and human resources at the National Science Foundation (2001–4).

From 2000 to 2002, Ramaley chaired the Greater Expectations National Panel. Convened by AAC&U and composed of educators, business leaders, and public figures, the panel examined what should be expected of—and how best to deliver—a college education in the twenty-first century. Its 2002 report, Greater Expectations: A New Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College, informed a major national initiative to define and advance educational quality.

“All of us at AAC&U are deeply saddened by the loss of our long-time colleague, Judith Ramaley,” said AAC&U President Lynn Pasquerella. “Her leadership had a lasting impact on the work of the association, and her legacy will continue to shape the direction of higher education in the United States.”