Richard (Dick) J. Stanislaw Sr., 20^th President of King College, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. He was surrounded by family at his home in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Dr. Stanislaw was named president of King in May 1992. He and his wife Becky came to King from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he had been vice president for academic affairs. A 1962 graduate of Philadelphia College of Bible, Stanislaw held a Bachelor of Music Education in Voice, a Master of Music in Composition from Temple University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois. He had written articles and books on music, hymnology, and educational philosophy.  Dr. Stanislaw served on the editorial committee for The Worshiping Church: A Hymnal (1990) and co-authored the companion to that hymnal with Donald P. Hustad (1993).

During his time at King, the E.W. King Library received a Title III grant of more than $600,000 to help modernize the collection. Dr. Stanislaw was highly instrumental in the growth of enrollment, increased academic standards, and reinforced King’s commitment to Christian Higher Education. King alumni from Dr. Stanislaw’s tenure will also recall his love for teaching the student body new hymns during Chapel services and for the personal handwritten notes that he would send to students via campus mail congratulating them on their accomplishments.

After King, he served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Music at Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and as President and CEO of the Ocean City Tabernacle. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the Tabernacle served as a relief center, housing volunteers and distributing over 100,000 pounds of food and supplies to the community.

Throughout his career, he conducted innumerable university and community choirs, bringing the joy of music to performers and audiences alike.  He is remembered at King for his kindness, warmth, and unwavering service to the Christian faith.

In remembrance of Dr. Stanislaw, a memorial wreath will be hung on the Oval from Thursday, February 19, through Monday, February 23, following his services.

https://www.godfreyfuneral.com/obituaries/Richard-J-Stanislaw?obId=47177071