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The UMUC Office of the Assistant Vice Provost published the following news on 24 November 2015. We are saddened to announce that Dr. John Riggs passed away unexpectedly late last week. An esteemed Collegiate Professor, Dr. Riggs began teaching for UMUC Europe in 1993. Over the next two decades, he taught over 320 classes—at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Teaching a variety of courses for the UMUC –Bowie State MPA program, and American government courses at the undergraduate level, Dr. Riggs will be remembered as an exemplary classroom instructor. Most recently, he began teaching research methods courses for the UMUC—Salisbury University Social Work program. Dr. Riggs was deeply committed to the Maryland overseas program. He earned a reputation as a collegiate faculty member who graciously accepted challenging assignments. Consequently, he taught at sites across Europe to include: Adana, AFNORTH, Buechel, Geilenkirchen, Kleine Brogel, Rota, SHAPE, Spangdahlem, Stuttgart, Volkel, Wiesbaden, and the Ramstein military community. Thousands of students have benefited from his knowledge, expertise, and guidance.
Dr. Riggs earned a B.A. in Government, a M.A. in Government, and a Ph.D. in Government and Administration (1985), all from the University of Cincinnati. His first position after earning the doctorate was with Troy State University where he taught graduate courses for the Public Administration program.
Dr. Riggs remained active academically during the thirty years he lived and worked in Europe. Most recently he completed his own guide to the U.S. Constitution which he entitled The U.S. Constitution Made Very, Very Simple. Dr. Riggs will be greatly missed by UMUC students, faculty, and staff.
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Richard Schumaker
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Dr Riggs' passing. He and I worked closely at the Eifel sites for years. Very few days passed when we didn't discuss teaching, politics, or reading. He was a brilliant and well-informed professor completely dedicatd to his students and classes. I remember his generosity and warmth when my kids were born: he took an active interest in my evolution as a dad and in the well-being of my young sons. I admired his seriousness in keeping up with this field and his understadning of geopolitical matters in Europe in the final years of the Cold War and during the Wende.
John Nolan
Richard has hit the nail on the head- John was one of our most experienced and responsible faculty. He loved teaching, and loved his students. I knew John for nearly twenty years, and always found him a great source of knowledge and insight. He went to amazing lengths to serve our students. When we first met he was teaching at both SHAPE and in the UK in the same term, crossing the channel twice a week! I thought he was superman then. Over the years he had survived all our changes, and I'd come to think of him as indestructible, one of the real survivors. It was a terrible when he went missing- I knew John never missed class- and awful when he was found at his home, a real shock.Very sad he passed alone, but perhaps the way he would have wanted. Maybe its fitting the last people we know who saw him were the library staff at Spangdahlem- he spent a lot of time there. Dr Frannklin and I are endeavouring to finish the term for him, as he would have wanted I'm sure,but its very hard. Right right now there is not a day he is not with us. I'll really mis him at Graduation, where we always had a long talk, and of course a smoke. A very sad loss at an age far too young.
Valerie Mock
Rest in Peace John Riggs. For many years you were the mainstay of the public administration program at UMUC-Europe. You were exceptionally valuable, not only to the program, but also to the individual students. I especially enjoyed your sense of humor, your advice, intelligence, and flexibility. You will be missed.
With deep sorrow, Valerie
Gabriele Napper (Salinas)
I am shocked and saddened to hear that Dr. John Riggs has passed away and my thoughts and prayers are with his sons and family! John Riggs and Dean Caldwell were the two most influential professors in my Master's Program: Public Administration, Bowie State (military contract). I went back to school as a 36 year old mother of a 6 year old boy, starting over and working full time. Dr. Riggs was absolutely brilliant, passionate about the material he taught and his students. His lectures were totally riveting and memorable! I used to write notes until I thought my hand would fall off but didn't need them much as so much of his lecture content just stuck. He chatted with his students during the break and took a genuine interest in us, rather than using the time to get away from us. :) He always had a dedicated following. I remember him telling me in the beginning when I was trying to adjust to school learning mode again rather than work or mommy memory mode to stop being so hard on myself. He told me I was smart, knew my material and was a hard worker. He told me to stop and see what other people saw. He talked to us about politics, public administration, economics and family and I still have the letter of recommendation he wrote for me over 11 years ago. I am truly saddened by his passing. He was a genuine, caring and tough human being (with a soft center). He was no nonsense but all there, and if he told you something he meant it. I swear he had a photographic memory and challenged us always to not believe everything we read or heard, but to dig deeper and get to the facts themselves and form our own opinions. He was one of the most influential people in my academic career and I had nothing but total respect for him as an academic and a human being! I loved taking his classes and his influence in my life as one of his previous students is immeasurable. Thank you Dr. Riggs, rest well.