JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – On Thursday, May 10, University of Jamestown appointed Dr. Robert Badal President Emeritus and dedicated a campus building in his honor.

The Board of Trustees, the President’s Cabinet, and representatives from the faculty and staff attended the dedication, which revealed that the Nafus Center was renamed the Badal Nafus Center. The Badal Nafus Center houses Knight Hall cafeteria, and the student and alumni centers.

Ed Nafus (UJ class of ’63), Board of Trustee and Capital Campaign Co-chair, with his sister Virginia Nafus (UJ class of ’64) by his side, commented on Dr. Badal’s leadership: “Our family is touched by the commitment from Dr. Badal in bringing the college that we loved as students decades ago, to the University that it is today. Dr. Badal has led this institution with focus and created an environment that supports students, providing them with a well-rounded liberal arts education which today’s professional environment demands.”

Dr. Badal retired Feb. 28, 2018, after serving as University President since 2002.

Board of Trustees Chairman, Jim Unruh commented on his service: “The Board of Trustees is greatly indebted to Dr. Badal for his commitment to and outstanding leadership at the University of Jamestown over the past 16 years. Under his leadership, academic programming was expanded through the initiation of new programs, the creation of master’s and doctoral programs, and the opening of a satellite campus in Fargo, N.D. During his presidency, the University experienced endowment growth, new buildings and the renovation of current facilities. In addition, Dr. Badal was active in national collegiate associations, as well as local entities. He is highly deserving of the Emeritus status.”­­­­