Gavilan College suffered an unexpected loss to its administrative staff Aug. 29, as Vice President John Pruitt of Student Services died at the age of 55.
On his last day at work, Aug. 26, Pruitt, who joined the community college administration in 2005, emceed Professional Development Day and led a workshop to inform staff and faculty about the new Student Success Initiative of the State of California. Pruitt collapsed on his way back to his office, after leading a lively discussion with the standing-room only crowd. He was admitted to the hospital one hour after his presentation.
He died three days later due to complications from an illness at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, according to a press release from Gavilan College.
“It will take all of us, particularly those who worked most closely with him, time to grieve and absorb this terrible loss,” said Gavilan President Steve Kinsella in an e-mail to staff that afternoon.
After coming aboard as Dean of Student Services, Pruitt served as acting, interim and then permanent Vice President of Student Services in 2007. During his time at Gavilan, Pruitt led the Student Services department through a number of changes, including the addition of many online services, and new efforts including the Student Success Center, Welcome Center, and RAMbassadors.
Pruitt had a passion for student services and was well-known across the state for his expertise. He was well-liked by everyone on campus from students to faculty, staff, administrators and members of the Board of Trustees.
“John Pruitt was someone who really cared about the students,” said Joey Hayes, president of the Gavilan College Associated Student Body. “We were never ‘a number’ to him. He cared about our personal lives and academic success. We were lucky to be able to have that kind of relationship with an administrator.”
In his role at Gavilan, Pruitt provided leadership over, and the management of, the student support activities, including key areas that ensure that students are supported, know where to go for assistance, and are able to successfully navigate and complete their educational objectives.
“Losing John at such a young age and at the peak of his professional career will have a significant impact,” said Kinsella. “We now face the issues that arise when a key leader of an organization is suddenly lost.”
For the short term, Pruitt’s duties will be carried by other members of the administrative team while plans are made for the long term.
Pruitt’s colleagues knew him as fun loving, compassionate, and willing to engage in humor – many times at his own expense, according to a press release from the college. He served as the regular emcee for the college’s annual Staff Recognition Dinner and coordinated the Professional Development Day at the start of each semester.
A celebration of Pruitt’s life is being planned and will be held at the Gavilan College campus, at a date to be announced.
