When Dean of Students Bruce Pitman arrived in Moscow as the University of Idaho Greek Adviser in 1973, the drinking age in Idaho was 19, the Kibbie Dome wasn’t yet a dome, the pedestrian-only streets running through campus were open to cars, he had yet to go on four Alternative Service Break trips and there wasn’t a single McDonald’s in town.
Parker Wilson | Argonaut
Dean of Students Bruce Pitman announced on Friday his plan to retire from the University of Idaho next fall. Pitman began his career in 1973 as the Greek adviser and became Dean of Students in 1981. Pitman said the beginnings of a search process are underway, and will remain at UI until a replacement is found.
Now, after 40 years of service spanning five decades, Pitman has announced his intention to retire from UI early next fall. The announcement — which could have come seven years ago when Pitman became eligible for retirement — came as a surprise to few and many have expressed their sadness at the news of Pitman’s impending departure.
“This is very bitter sweet,” Pitman said. “But I think it’s better to leave when people are encouraging you to stay rather than wait until they are wishing you’d go.”
Pitman said he’s been considering retirement for a while, but the decision wasn’t an easy one, because of the passion he has for UI and its students.
“I have great passion for the work that we do and I love this place,” Pitman said. “When I put the key in the ignition to come to campus it’s because I feel it’s important.”
Pitman said his colleagues throughout the years have also contributed to his deep-rooted passion for the university. He said his love for the community and a combination of other factors contributed to his hesitation when it came to the question of retirement. But he said his family has always been supportive of his desire to continue working.
“My wife and family have been wonderfully supportive and have simply encouraged me to make the change only when I’m ready to and have not been putting pressure on me to do this,” Pitman said.
Jeanne Stevenson, vice provost for Academic Affairs, has worked with Pitman in a variety of capacities since the early 1990s. The two co-chaired the implementation of a strategic plan under former provost Doug Baker, and Stevenson said they continued their working relationship across student and academic affairs ever since with a focus on student retention, success and capacity. She described their relation ship as a “sharing sweet spot” between academic and student affairs.
“I think that he has had a very significant and a very positive impact on the University of Idaho,” Stevenson said. “I am confident that the process that has been described — to be able to do a search while he is still here — will help us have as smooth a transition as possible, and hopefully we will have a highly qualified person like Bruce.”
The exact date of Pitman’s retirement has yet to be set, as Pitman has committed to remain in his position through the search process, in order to eliminate the need for an interim. He said he’s not in any hurry to leave and an interim would only hinder the operations of the department.
Pitman said retirement will allow him to commit more time to recreational activities, travel opportunities with his family and community projects such as “Family Promise of the Palouse” which he said he’s become very involved with in recent years.
“It’s a program that I’ve been deeply committed to in the last few years in helping families with children,” Pitman said. “Certainly I’m looking forward to a bit more recreational time. I think, instead of gold retirement watches, I’d rather have a new pair of running shoes. I’m also looking forward to finding some sunshine in February.”
Pitman said he and his wife are deeply rooted in Moscow and they have no intention to leave permanently. He described him and his wife as friends who have a lot in common. He said they enjoy their time together and are looking forward to being more involved in the community.
Pitman is filled with stories of his time at the university and things he’s observed as it’s changed over the years. But he said he’s glad to have the summer to reflect on those stories and his time before he officially steps down. Until then, he plans to continue to enjoy the work that he does and is grateful and surprised by the outpouring of attention his announcement has received.
“I’m grateful for the kind words and for the gracious silence of those eager to see me go,” Pitman said.
Kaitlyn Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]