In Memoriam: Jim Stuart

Middlebury mourns the death of Jim Stuart, associate vice president for information technology. In a campuswide email, Executive Vice President David Provost wrote the following on October 10:

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Retirees:

With great sadness, I write to let you know that our colleague Jim Stuart, associate vice president for information technology, died unexpectedly at his home in Hinesburg this past weekend. Jim has a long history with Middlebury and his work has impacted nearly every member of our campus community in one way or another.

Jim first came to Middlebury in 1993 as co-director of computing and network services, having recently completed his bachelor of arts in mathematics at Colby College. After six years at Middlebury, Jim continued his career as vice president for technology at Burlee.com and later as chief technology officer at Qvault.

Jim returned to Middlebury in 2010 as systems programmer and administrator. In the years since, he took on increasing levels of responsibility including a promotion to manager of central systems and network services in 2011, director of central systems and network services in 2013, and in 2014 was promoted to associate vice president for information technology. Jim has been instrumental over the past few years in the Green Mountain Higher Education Consortium in efforts to bring Oracle and Blackbaud to Middlebury.

“I will remember my dear friend and colleague Jim Stuart as one of the kindest and gentlest people that I’ve ever known,” said Chris Norris, director of information security and infrastructure. “I am grateful to have shared so many ideas and laughs with him over the years.”

A lover of animals, Jim served on the board of directors at Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society, for 12 years, much of that time as president. He was particularly interested in the long-term stability and sustainability of the shelter and the animal welfare programs that enhance the relationships of animals and people in the local community. Jim regularly volunteered on Homeward Bound committees and at events, and supported the information technology needs of the organization.

He also served for four years on the board of trustees for the Howard Center in South Burlington, Vermont, which provides crisis counseling and support services to children and adults.

Jim will be remembered by Middlebury colleagues for his kindness, keen intelligence, and wonderful sense of humor. His care for the ITS team of the College will always be remembered and appreciated by those of us who had the privilege to work alongside Jim over the years. We will provide details about a memorial service as they become available.Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Treasurer