Azar Receives RIC Alumni Award

Dr. Anthony C. Azar, retired Superintendent of Schools from the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, was awarded with the prestigious Rhode Island College Alumni Award.

The Alumni Award recognizes graduates of Rhode Island College who have brought honor to the college by distinguished achievement in their field. The nominees are role models whose success demonstrates the value of a Rhode Island College degree.

The following was read at the Alumni Award Presentation on May 4, 2023 prior to Dr. Azar receiving his award.

“Dr. Anthony C. Azar attended RIC from 1979 to 1983 and graduated with a degree in secondary education/public administration. He became a teacher at Bishop McVinney Regional School in South Providence, RI beginning in the 1983-1984 school year. Serving as an inspirational teacher, he was cited by “the more you know” project from WJAR TV channel 10 as an innovative teacher. He inspired his students as a social studies teacher, assistant principal, athletic director and a coach for a commitment of 11 years at Bishop McVinney. He is still remembered fondly by his students from all those years ago as many keep in contact with him to let him know how impactful he was on their lives. At a McVinney reunion from a few years ago, one of his former students spoke fondly of remembering what it was like in his class, saying what impact Mr. Azar had on his life. His former students from nearly 40 years ago said that Mr. Azar was like family and that you could always rely on his guidance. Mr. Azar would go on to receive a master in education and his doctorate in education.

In addition, Anthony utilized his public administration experience at RIC while serving as a RI state senator from 1988-1990. During that time he represented district 34 Lincoln/Smithfield with a focus on education, environmental and youth/social services. Anthony attributes his political acumen to his RIC education and his success in his many administrative positions.

In 2017, Dr. Azar received the ‘Educator of the Year Award’ from the Rehoboth Lions’ Club when he was Superintendent in Dighton-Rehoboth which represented, “whose dedications to the students and whose accomplishments in the field of education serve as models to both active, professionals and those entering the profession”.

Dr. Azar would go on to utilize his education from RIC to span a 40 year career which varied across several levels including being a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator and the superintendency. He would continue to develop his educational expertise culminating with his retirement from the superintendency from the D.R. Regional School District this past year.

Finally, his attributes of dedication to excellence and respect for all persons were fundamental to his commitment to education and public service. Dr. Azar’s penchant to work with various groups in school and in the community was awe inspiring. He is one of the most dedicated and committed individuals you could imagine after serving for over 40 years as an advocate for students, staff and parents in the public/private sector of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. He is a very proud Rhode Island College Graduate.”