Dr. Ladrach posthumously conferred title of SSCC Faculty Emeritus

As a tribute to the legacy of the late Professor Samuel N. Ladrach, Ph.D., the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees voted May 2 to confer upon him the title of Faculty Emeritus.

“Teaching and students were just two of Sam’s passions,” said Dr. Jon Davidson, SSCC Associate Professor, in the nomination letter submitted by the SSCC Faculty Senate.

“He embodied the ideal of an interested, compassionate teacher, but was never reluctant to gently chastise a student in need of a good prodding. Sam was also passionate about his discipline. He was a voracious reader of psychology journals, always current in his field, and looking for new insights or developments in psychology that he could bring to the classroom.”

The designation of Faculty Emeritus may be granted when a faculty member has made substantial contribution to the college through instruction, academic leadership, service to the college and community, and dedication to students.

“Sam was always known for taking students under his wing, for helping them along their way in their difficult times,” said Charles Gorman, SSCC Associate Professor. “It would always seem to be a student with lots of potential, dedication and perseverance – because along with all of that came an equal amount of barriers and struggles in their lives, and Sam would be there.”

Dr. Ladrach earned his Ph.D. in psychology from The Ohio State University and in 1976 joined Southern State as a full-time professor. During his 20-year tenure, Dr. Ladrach served as an educator, an advisor for student organizations, and an academic dean. In 1989, he established the Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter at Southern State. He passed away in 1997.

“I always considered Sam to be the epitome of a college professor, a true man of academia,” said Jeff Foster, SSCC Associate Professor. “I had the privilege of having him as a professor when I attended Southern State, and was so honored when he welcomed me as a fellow faculty member. He was one of the best mentors a young faculty member could ever expect to have.”

Dr. Ladrach, along with his late wife, Jeff Ladrach, a former medical assisting instructor for Southern State, promoted endeavors that positively impacted students as well as the college. A scholarship was established in honor of his love for his profession and the college. This endowment secures Dr. Ladrach’s lifelong wish of promoting quality education. Understanding the college’s vital role in the community, the Ladrach family decided this endowment would be a way to assist area students for years to come.

“Sam passed before I started full time, but I did have him as a professor when I was a student at Southern State,” said Kristi Hall, SSCC Assistant Professor. “He genuinely cared for his students and we, as students, knew it. He not only cared that we were learning, but also cared about us as individuals. He would be proud of the Ladrach Scholarship and how many students in need we’ve been able to help.”

The Faculty Emeritus status is Southern State’s way of honoring faculty who gave a significant portion of their career in building and growing the college and contributing to its quality. The title has also been bestowed upon late SSCC professors Edward K. Daniels and William Horne.

“Sam’s deep commitment to students and his passion for scholarship in his field set a standard to which we should all aspire,” said Dr. Davidson.

To learn more about Southern State Community College, please call 1-800-628-7722, email info@sscc.edu, or visit www.sscc.edu.