As the sun officially sets on a hallmark career for Shenandoah University President Dr. James Davis, the long-time SU leader had to trust his gut- and some close confidants- to make a difficult decision.

"I think just knowing when it's time to change and give up is really important, and I had friends who told me, 'you'll know,'" said Davis.
"A couple of years ago I began to get the feeling that it was just about time letting somebody else pick it up with the same energy I had 20 years ago."

That somebody is Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, who assumes the presidency on July 1.

But before a passing of the torch, it's time to recognize the achievements of an individual who has impacted the lives of so many people.

"This school has grown, its reputation has grown, the academic standards have risen," boasted Board of Trustees Chairman Harry Smith. "Jim has served at the state level. He has authored books. He's a real renaissance man."

With a presidential tenure that has lasted 26 years, Dr. Davis is also something of an iron man.

"Being a college president is really tough," observed Congressman Frank Wolf, R-10th. "A lot of college presidents don't really last that long. There's a lot of fund raising and a lot of responsibility, so it probably is longer than most college presidents really spend [on the job]."

There are only a handful of college presidents across the country who have served in their position for 20 years or longer.

Harry smith emceed the tribute, which included a personal address from Governor Tim Kaine, performances from former students, and a visit from 'NewsHour' reporter Margaret Warner.

Despite all the growth Shenandoah has already experienced over the last several years, future president Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons added that the changes "are not going to end."

Fitzsimmons cited "building the endowment, and building academic quality and reputation" as goals that are still very much on the radar.