‘Dr. V,’ associate dean of Adult & Online Education, dies at 56

Dr. Guy Vitaglione, the assistant and associate dean of Adult & Online Education at Campbell University for the last 11 years, died on July 15 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

He was 56 years old.

Vitaglione's career in higher education began at West Virginia University's Institute of Technology, where he was a tenured professor and founding department chair of psychology. He pioneered the implementation of online education at the school and moved on to become campus academic dean and later senior academic advisor at Strayer University.

Affectionately known as "Dr. V," Vitaglione joined Campbell University in the summer of 2015 as assistant dean of online education, overseeing strategic planning, enrollment management and academic programming. He was promoted to associate dean in 2020, overseeing the school's budget and directly managing eight full-time staff members and more than 100 adjunct faculty. He was also an associate professor of psychology, winning numerous teaching awards in both online and traditional teaching formats.

His most recent publication examined psychological predictors of online aggressive behaviors.

"Dr. V's impact on Campbell University will be felt for years to come," said Nicole Winget, dean of Adult & Online Education at Campbell. "He was a scholar and a leader who was always on the lookout for new ways to bring students to Campbell. He loved his work in the Psychology department, and he was beloved by his students. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

According to his obituary, Vitaglione was born in New York City on Jan. 26, 1970 to Frances Everitt and Thomas Joseph Vitaglione. He was the first in his family to earn a doctorate degree.

"His studies focused on psychology and specifically empathy - which, for those who knew him, was a perfect fit," his obituary states. "Guy was incredibly empathetic and exhibited a steady, calming presence."

He is survived by his parents, his wife Susannah and two daughters, Grace and Ella. His family said Vitaglione remained strong and positive through a long battle with cancer.

"In his last month, while not in the best of health, he made the heroic trip to South Korea so he could give his daughter the gift of his presence at her wedding."

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 25 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center or St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Condolences may be sent to:

Susannah Vitaglione
903 Belhaven Rd
Cary, NC 27513