Central mourns the loss of President Emeritus Dr. Richard L. Judd

Dr. Richard L. Judd, president emeritus of Central Connecticut State University, has passed away at the age of 89. Judd's 40-year tenure at Central included roles as director of the Student Center (1964-70), dean of student affairs (1970-80), executive dean for institutional advancement and university affairs (1980-92), vice president for university affairs (1992-96) and, finally, as the 11th president of Central (1996-2004).

President Toro shared the following statement with the campus community on July 15.

“Today, our Blue Devil family is mourning a deep personal loss. It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of one of our most dedicated leaders and devoted alumni, President Emeritus Dr. Richard L. Judd.

“For Dick Judd, Central was not just a place of work—it was his lifelong home. His journey here began in the 1950s as an undergraduate student walking these very same campus paths. When he returned in 1964 as a young psychology instructor, he began a remarkable 40-year love affair with this institution. He gave his heart to our campus in every role he held—whether he was guiding students as the dean of Student Affairs, running the Student Center, or ultimately making history as the very first alumnus to lead Central as our president.

“Those who knew him remember a man of boundless energy and fierce, unwavering loyalty to our students. He believed deeply that higher education should lift people up, and as president, he worked tirelessly to not only push for a massive physical transformation of the campus and classrooms, but to put Central on a global stage. He expanded Central’s international relations establishing global partnerships and unique centers with universities around the world. Dr. Judd is also responsible for the concept of Town-Gown relationships, connecting the university with the surrounding neighborhoods and communities.

“In speaking of his plans upon retirement in a 2004 interview for the former Central Focus magazine, Dr. Judd said, “I want to spend time with my family and continue to be of service to the university and community. I am grateful for the honor to have led this university and for the mentorship of two great presidents, Dr. Herbert D. Welte and Dr. F. Don James.”

“Yet, what truly defined Dick was his spirit of service. Beyond his administrative legacy, he used his expertise in emergency medical services to protect others, famously holding the first historic Connecticut Emergency Medical Services Instructor license. Even long after his retirement, his heart never left the classroom. He quietly returned to campus to teach courses in emergency medical technology, and in a final, beautiful act of devotion, he routinely chose to donate his entire teaching salary back to the CCSU Foundation just to ensure our students had the support they needed.

“Dr. Judd was deeply connected to his community, the university, and supporting those in need through engagement and philanthropy. During his career, he dedicated himself to supporting various groups such as the New Britain Museum of American Art, Education Committee of the American Heart Association, Citizens Advisory Board of the CT Department of Public Safety, Board of Directors of the Hartford Chorale, United Community Services of New Britain, New Britain Police Commission, New Britain General Hospital, Connecticut Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board, National Iwo Jima Memorial, and as president of the CCARC Board and CCARC Foundation, a private, nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. 

“We owe Dr. Judd an immeasurable debt of gratitude for a lifetime spent building, teaching, and giving back to the community he cherished more than anything else. 

“Please join me in keeping his wife Nancy, son Jonathon, daughter Sarah, and all the Judd family as well as the countless alumni, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched so deeply in your thoughts and prayers.

“A celebration of life is planned for early September. As details are finalized, we will be communicating with you. In the days ahead, let us lean on one another and hold close the memory of a man who loved Central with all his heart.”

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Richard Judd speaks at the Celebration of Alumni Excellence on Nov. 10, 2016. (Photo by John Atashian)

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President Emeritus Judd helps his former colleagues cut a celebratory ribbon to mark the Student Center's 50th anniversary on Sept. 10, 2014. (Photo by Michael Fiedler)

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Dick and Nancy Judd attend the grand reopening of Willard - DiLoreto Hall on Feb. 20, 2019, after extensive renovations. (Photo by Stan Godlewski)