Livingstone professor calls it a career
Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 7, 2023
Livingstone College Vice President for Academic Affairs Dawn McNair, from left, professor R.D. Sharma and Faculty Assembly President Da’Tarvia Parrish celebrate Sharma's retirement on Dec. 1. - Submitted
Livingstone College rofessor R.D. Sharma, fourth from left, is formally retiring after 28 years. Pictured with Sharma, from left, Faculty Assembly Officers: Secretary Nicole Oehmen; Treasurer Karam Batra; Parliamentarian Bessie Hutchins; Sharma; President Da’Tarvia Parrish; and Vice President Damein Greatheart. - Submitted
SALISBURY — A longstanding Livingstone College professor is formally stepping down from his position after nearly 30 years on campus.
The Faculty Assembly of Livingstone College recognized the retirement Raejshwar D. Sharma on Dec. 1, 2023, at its monthly meeting.
Faculty Assembly president, Da’Tarvia Parrish acknowledged R.D. Sharma as an “astute leader” and “great friend.”
After placing a sash on Sharma printed, “The Legend has Retired,” Parrish said, “Dr. Sharma has been an inspiration and champion for diversity and inclusion at Livingstone College. His leadership has permitted our students and faculty to engage in an international market, and has changed the landscape of higher education at HBCUs.”
In a visual presentation of Dr. Sharma through the years to the tune of “Wake Up Everybody,” Faculty Assembly Vice President Damein Greatheart who serves in the Division of Business under Dr. Sharma, shared his appreciation for Sharma’s 28 years of service.
Other recognitions included certificate presentations from division chairs Dr. Tarsha Reid and Dr. Hasan Crockett and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dawn McNair who presented a crystal award.
A native of India, Sharma began his tenure at Livingstone in 1994 as an adjunct in the department of business and was soon retained as a full-time employee in 1995.
By 2000, Dr. Sharma was appointed dean for the Division of Business where he has served for more than two decades. Under his leadership, the division has developed multiple programs to include eSports, hospitality and management and culinary arts, and has developed an international student exchange program with Invertis University in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India.
“Dr. Sharma was a big influence in helping shift my culinary career, and I became more analytical with his words of wisdom,” said former student Jordan Walker in a Facebook post. “I appreciate him and his open-door policy.”
Sharma leaves behind a legacy of professional service and congeniality. He has touched the lives of many Livingstonians and has contributed to the Rowan-Salisbury community and beyond. Forever a Blue Bear, Livingstone College wishes him a happy retirement.
