Gregory J. Dimitriadis with his parents, Marie and Jim Dimitriadis, at his graduation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his PhD in speech communication.
Continuing the mission: Gregory J. Dimitriadis ’ legacy lives on through endowed professorship
BY DANIELLE LEGARE
Gregory J. Dimitriadis was more than a professor; he was a mentor, a guide and a source of support for his students and community. When he passed away in December 2014, it was no wonder that his family received an outpouring of letters and emails from colleagues, friends and former students sharing how deeply Dimitriadis had touched their lives.
Inspired by these words, Dimitriadis’ family sought a way to honor his legacy and ensure that his life’s work would continue to inspire future generations, leading to the creation of the Gregory J. Dimitriadis, PhD Assistant Professorship in Educational Leadership and Policy. This endowed professorship will support scholars who share Dimitriadis’ dedication to urban education and policy, particularly with a focus on race and equity.
The heartfelt messages revealed the profound impact he had made, both personally and professionally:
“Greg has been the person I knew I could always turn to for help and understanding,” wrote Beth Bouloukos, a colleague from SUNY Press.
Dimitriadis and one of his beloved cats.
“Not only was he brilliant, prolific and always pushing ideas in critical and ethical ways, but he was a genuine person, one of the most humble in the field,” said researcher Debbie Sonu.
“Greg is alive and well in the way I treat others, especially my students. Never once do I let an email or message or office visit grow stale or unattended,” reflected former student Justin De Senso. “Never once do I ignore students, colleagues or persons in need. Greg taught me this.”
From left to right: Dimitriadis' friend and mentee Elton, Gregory, his Aunt Teresa and his mother.
A profound commitment to research
Lois Weis, SUNY Distinguished Professor, first met Dimitriadis as a candidate while chairing a search committee tasked with finding a new faculty member for the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. From the moment they interviewed him, Weis and the other committee members were struck by Dimitriadis’ passion and enthusiasm for his research. His commitment to exploring the intersections of education, culture and social justice was evident, making him the unanimous choice for the position.
His impact at GSE was immediate. Dimitriadis’ research on urban youth culture opened new avenues of inquiry in educational research. His books, such as "Performing Identity/Performing Culture: Hip Hop as Text, Pedagogy," and "Lived Practice and Critical Dispositions: Evidence and Expertise in Education," challenged conventional thinking and brought fresh perspectives to the field.
“As research faculty, if we don’t think our research is important, it’s going to be really hard. But Greg was committed to it, and he thought it was important. He loved it,” Weis said.
His research was not confined to academic circles; it was deeply rooted in the realities of those he sought to serve. This approach not only enriched his scholarship, but also earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and students.
Genuine mentorship and guidance
Beyond his scholarly achievements, it was Dimitriadis’ humility and genuine care for others that left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
“Greg loved mentoring the next generation of students,” Weis recalled. “He was very respectful of students and where they were coming from.”
Tchaikovsky “Scottie” Wardlow, a former mentee and close friend, echoed this sentiment: “He was always positive, always encouraging. He helped me through some of the toughest times in my life, and he never gave up on me.”
Honoring a legacy of care, compassion and scholarship
Since 2015, the Gregory J. Dimitriadis, PhD Dean’s Excellence Fund has supported students by providing funds to attend practical professional development sessions, guest speaker series and the American Educational Research Association (AERA) annual meeting. While this fund will not change, the new Gregory J. Dimitriadis, PhD Assistant Professorship will focus on research and excellence.
The creation of this new fund is a fitting tribute to Dimitriadis’ legacy. The endowed professorship ensures that his life’s work—his commitment to research, dedication to equity and devotion to students—will continue to influence the field for years to come.
From left to right: Dimitriadis' sister Christina, his friend and mentee Elton, his aunt Teresa, Gregory, his mom Marie and his dad Jim.
“Dr. Greg Dimitriadis left an indelible impression on the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy and the entire GSE community. His legacy endures in the lives he touched among faculty and students across the Graduate School of Education,” said Nathan J. Daun-Barnett, chair and associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. “This endowed professorship gives us an opportunity to celebrate his contributions by honoring a scholar who makes a significant contribution to the department’s intellectual life.”
The scholars who hold this professorship will carry forward Dimitriadis’ mission, conducting research that addresses the pressing issues of our time with the same passion and energy that Dimitriadis embodied. The Dimitriadis family finds solace in knowing that their commitment will ensure his name and legacy continue to inspire future generations at GSE.
“He was all about helping and trying to encourage and empower people,” said Wardlow. “The person who gets the [endowed professorship] with his name on it should take pride—because that man was awesome.”