After 32 years as the University's Director of Financial Aid, James Belvin will retire this summer, President Richard Brodhead announced Monday.
During his tenure, Belvin has increased the number of students on need-based aid, streamlined on-campus student employment and centralized loan-based aid. Off campus, he has served as a College Board trustee and chaired the 568 Presidents' Group, a congregation of private colleges that derived a plan for awarding aid based on demonstrated financial need.
He has also led Duke's efforts to establish a need-blind admissions policy that admits students on the basis of merit, rather than their ability to pay for college.
"Jim Belvin knows the nuts and bolts of financial aid as well as anyone in his trade, but he's always had his eyes on the real goal: creating opportunity by making education affordable to all," Brodhead said in a public statement Monday. "Duke has been extraordinarily fortunate to have a person of his ability in this crucial position."
Last December, Belvin worked with Brodhead and Provost Peter Lange to institute financial aid measures that eliminate parental contributions for families with incomes under $60,000 and guarantee debt-free graduation for students from families with incomes under $40,000.
In light of his achievements, Belvin said his retirement comes at a good time.
"I feel like we've accomplished a great deal, and with the implementation of the recently announced [financial aid] enhancements, it's the best possible time," he said. "One should go when one has his or her health and can enjoy life."
Belvin said his decision to retire does not stem from a lack of affection for Duke, adding that he feels great gratitude toward the University and will miss his students and colleagues.
The search for a new director will begin in mid-February and continue for three to four months, but a new director will not initiate many changes, Lange said.
"I don't foresee any dramatic changes," he said. "We'll be looking for a director through a national search, looking for the absolutely best person to implement our new programs."
Dean of Undergraduate Education Steve Nowicki will lead a committee in the search to replace Belvin.
"We are looking for someone who is a national leader of the stature of Jim Belvin," Nowicki said.
Lange said Belvin is scheduled to retire June 30 but has agreed to serve until Jan. 1, 2009, if a new director has not been hired by the summer.
"I'll have the opportunity to implement the [financial aid] enhancements, put them in place and make sure they're on the right track," Belvin said. "I will not be leaving until they are working and in place."
Although his retirement was only recently announced, Belvin said he has been planning it for several years and notified Lange of his decision in November.
After retirement, he plans to continue volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club, playing golf and reading more books, he said.
Lange said he has a positive outlook for Duke's financial aid.
"Change happens," he said. "Jim's been here a long time and he's done a fabulous job. He leaves big shoes to fill, but I'm very confident we can hire a new person for the next phase."
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