Dr. Richard L. Judd

Dr. Richard L. Judd, President Emeritus of Central Connecticut State University, a visionary leader and champion for higher education, passed away on July 15, 2026, leaving a monumental legacy that permanently reshaped his beloved alma mater and the broader Connecticut community. Born on March 22, 1937, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Dick Judd, son of Wilbur and Priscilla Judd, was the first member of his family to graduate from college, earning his Bachelor of Science from the Teachers College of Connecticut. Committed to a life of learning, he went on to earn a Master of Arts from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Connecticut. He was later awarded several honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Laws from Briarwood College (CT), a Doctor of Medicine from Kyung Hee University (Korea), and a Doctor of International Relations from Eastern Mediterranean University (Cyprus).

Dr. Judd returned to his alma mater in 1964 as an instructor of psychology and director of the student center. Over the next four decades, he served the University in many roles, rising through the administrative ranks until he was appointed the 11th President of CCSU in 1996, serving with distinction until his retirement in July 2004. As president, Dr. Judd spearheaded the creation of the CCSU Foundation. He established several prestigious endowed chairs and brought the first-ever doctoral program, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, to the CCSU system. He also led a $310 million capital improvement master plan to modernize the campus. A dedicated educator, he also served as a former national President of Kappa Delta Pi, An International Honor Society in Education.

Dr. Judd was an international leader in the field of emergency medical sciences. A Master Emergency Medicine Instructor, he served as the Dean of the Connecticut EMS Instructor Training Program and regularly taught Emergency Medical Technology courses up through 2021. He shared his vast knowledge globally as a professor at The American College of Prehospital Medicine, a visiting professor at the Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg and the United States Naval Hospital, and a lecturer at the Medical Academy of Dresden in Germany. For his work in Germany, he was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit (Verdienstkreuz) of the Federal Republic of Germany.

A prolific writer, he authored several pioneering emergency medical texts. His national and international leadership in emergency medical services education left an indelible mark on the field; in recognition of his profound impact, Connecticut named its lifetime EMS achievement award in his honor. Additionally, he served as the National Education Faculty for the American College of Surgeons ATLS program, a consultant to the Yale New Haven Health Office of Emergency Preparedness, and Chairman of the Connecticut Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board.

Dr. Judd brought his leadership and institutional knowledge to the global stage as a prominent voice in international studies. He served as the Vice President of Development of the Global Partnership for the International University of Iraq, First Vice Chair of the International Council for Middle East Studies, and was a member of both the Cyprus Policy Center Advisory Board and the Board of Governors for The International Centre for Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies.

Closer to home, Dr. Judd was deeply devoted to the community of New Britain, his longtime home, where he served as a Justice of the Peace and Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners. His vast local leadership spanned roles as Vice President and Director of the CCARC, Secretary and Trustee of the Mooreland Hill School, President of United Community Services of New Britain, and Director of the New Britain General Hospital. Additionally, he shared his expertise as a board member for both the Hartford Chorale and the Education Advisory Committee of United Technologies Corporation. In recognition of his tireless efforts, he was honored with numerous accolades, including the New Britain Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Community Service Award (2000), the United Way of New Britain Volunteer of the Year (2001), the Outstanding Higher Educational Professional by the UConn Neag School of Education Alumni Association (2001), and the Outstanding Individual Award of the Connecticut Association of Latin Americans in Higher Education (2001). Dr. Judd was also an active corporate member of the Hospital for Special Care and the YMCA, as well as a Trustee and former Chairman of the New Britain Museum of American Art. A passionate lover of classical music, he proudly served on the board of the New Britain Symphony Orchestra, once even taking the podium as a guest conductor, and maintained deep roots in the city as a proud, decades-long member of the New Britain Saturday Night Club.

Above all his professional milestones, Judd shared a beautiful life with his wife of 63 years, Nancy Fox Judd, who survives him. He is also survived by his son Jonathan Judd; his daughter, Sarah Judd, and her wife, Lee Ann Havard; and his grandchildren, Claire Branscombe, Julia Branscombe, Haley Havard, and Conor Havard.

Judd lived by the principle that "in giving back and in serving others one becomes a better person." May his lifelong devotion to others inspire us all to live with the same generous spirit.

Details regarding the celebration of life services will be provided at a later date. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, New Britain is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Richard L. & Nancy F. Judd Scholarship Fund at CCSU (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/d_-XuQ?vid=1rdppr) to continue Dr. Judd's lifelong mission of supporting future generations of students.