Remembering Joel Rudy: A Champion of Students
As the University works toward its annual Leadership Awards event on April 9 — where a student will be recognized for their Outstanding Leadership with the Rudy Leadership Award — we want to take a moment to remember Joel Rudy, former dean of students and vice president of student affairs, and how developing student leadership was at the core of who he was.
Joel Rudy and his family moved to Athens in 1976 when he joined Ohio University, beginning a legacy of dedication to student development and leadership. Affectionately known as “Dean Rudy” to generations of Bobcats, he was committed to student success, diversity, and inclusion—fostering a culture of empathy and unity. Even after retiring in the late 1990s, he remained an active and beloved figure in both the university and Athens communities.
A benevolent mentor and coach, Rudy guided countless students with a wise and gentle hand, serving as a silent partner in their personal journeys and professional aspirations. His quick, sincere warmth put even the most nervous freshman at ease.
Beyond his executive leadership, he was a constant presence on campus—walking the halls and brick paths of Ohio University, engaging in impromptu conversations, and actively participating in student organizations and committees. His courses in organizational leadership and time management remained student favorites, reflecting his passion for education and mentorship.
Rudy was a champion of his students. He was a champion of character.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, in the values his children and grandchildren hold dear, and in the countless individuals he encouraged along the way.
Joel S. Rudy (Jan. 20, 1941 – Dec. 23, 2023). His compassionate commitment to “something bigger than himself” lives on through the Rudy Leadership Award.
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