9:09 a.m., Oct. 26, 2009----Edgar "Jack" Townsend, director of the University of Delaware's Bank of America Career Services Center, has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31.

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Townsend joined the University administration in 1969, serving as assistant and later associate dean of students before moving to career services in 1977.

"I know that I speak for many at the University in saying that I'm proud to be associated with a professional of Jack's caliber,” said Michael Gilbert, vice president for student life. “We will miss his company and leadership in Student Life."

“We sincerely appreciate the leadership Jack Townsend has provided during his tenure in the Career Services Center, and are pleased to announce that he has agreed to continue his relationship with Student Life as a consultant through June 2010,” said Dawn Thompson, assistant vice president for student life.

In July 1977, Townsend was appointed director of UD's then-newly formed Career Planning and Placement Office.

In the ensuing 32 years the office, now the Bank of America Career Services Center, has provided career support to students in all majors at the University by maintaining an innovative approach to service delivery.

In a recent external program review, it was noted, “Our overall impression, gleaned from our many group and individual interactions with administrators, faculty, staff, students and employers, is that the director, Jack Townsend, and the Career Center staff are well-respected throughout the University's many departments and offices. They enjoy a reputation for strong customer service, energetic, high quality career programs, and a positive 'can do' attitude.”

In addition to his responsibilities as director of the Career Services Center, Townsend has served as an assistant professor and taught for many years in the master of arts in counseling and student affairs practice in higher education program.

Townsend was selected for the Outstanding Young Men in America publication in 1977 based on his initiatives in the Office of the Dean of Students. He has also been recognized on two occasions with the University's Professional Staff Merit Award.