Breaking News: Former Dean of Students and Senior Vice President, Wichita State University Icon, dies at 89

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – James Rhatigan, the former dean of students and senior vice president of Student Affairs at Wichita State University, passed away on Sunday morning.

Rhatigan dedicated nearly six decades to the university and became a prominent figure in educational activism.

At the age of 30, he was appointed dean of students in 1965, making him the youngest person in the country to hold that position. He later rose to the role of senior vice president of Student Affairs.

In 1997, the Campus Activities Center was renamed the Rhatigan Student Center in recognition of his contributions.

After retiring in 2002, Rhatigan remained involved with the university as a consultant for the Wichita State Foundation until 2014.

He was often referred to as “the student’s best friend” due to his efforts to enhance educational access for tens of thousands of students while also fostering personal connections with many Shockers.