Without any official public statement, the University of Richmond quietly scrubbed references to a Richmond College dean from its website late last week.
According to Cynthia Price, Associate Vice President for Communications and Media Relations, Richmond College assistant dean Ray Trac has stepped down from his position. The university did not share any particular reason for his departure.
“Mr. Trac has stepped down from his position,” Price wrote in an email to the Collegian. “Out of respect for the privacy of the University’s faculty and staff, it is our policy not to disclose employment information.”
Trac’s former webpage now reads “Bio not found. Users outside the campus network will see a standard 404 page.” No campus-wide statement or announcement about Trac’s departure was sent to students.
Since then, students have posted comments on anonymous campus social media app Fizz asking about Trac’s whereabouts. One post from Wednesday reads “Where is Dean Trac” above a GIF of Muppet character Elmo and a fiery background. The post has since garnered over 200 “upvotes” on the platform.
Sophomore Marshall Lehman, who was one of Trac’s advisees, was told in an email sent Sept. 5 that he would be assigned a new advisor in the next week.
“It has come to my attention that your academic advisor, Dr. Ray Trac is no longer able to serve in this capacity,” the email sent by Associate Director of Academic Advising Andrea Vest read. “Accordingly, I will work to secure another advisor in the coming week.”
During a Richmond College Student Government Association meeting held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, Class of 2027 Senator, Lucas Chuidian, asked RCSGA President and senior, Sassan Fahim, where Trac had gone. Fahim replied that Dean Joe Boehman, who was not present at the meeting, would answer any questions at next week's RCSGA meeting.
Trac began working at the University as an assistant dean in 2022, ending the role's six-year vacancy.
According to his profile on the University of Richmond's website, which has now been removed, he fell in love with higher education after working as a resident assistant at Randolph-Macon College. He had a Bachelor in Biology from Randolph-Macon College, a Master of Education in Student Affairs, a Master in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Services from Regent University.
“Dean Trac has always felt a specific affinity towards Student Affairs as he enjoys working with students to grow and develop from matriculation to graduation,” his now-deleted profile reads. “He also finds value in supporting students as a mental health and care advocate. This advocacy is what led Dean Trac to pursue a doctorate in counseling & psychological studies.”
Richmond College will meet Wednesday Sept. 17 at 6:50 p.m. in the Whitehurst Living Room. It is unclear whether questions about former Dean Trac will be answered in an open or closed floor meeting.
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Contact managing editor Andrea Padilla at andrea.padilla@richmond.edu
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