UVA_HRHonoring Caroline Walters' Legacy at UVA
In January, the University of Virginia lost a remarkable colleague, leader, and friend with the passing of Caroline Walters, University Records Officer and the driving force behind UVA’s modern Records & Information Management (RIM) program. Her impact can be felt across every corner of Grounds—from offices that can now find what they need in seconds, to storage rooms transformed from chaos to clarity, to colleagues who carry forward her commitment to organization and care.
From the moment she joined UVA, it was clear Caroline possessed a rare gift for order and a belief that records—far from being dusty or dull—are one of the most important ways a university tells its story. Under her leadership, UVA built a Records and Information Management program that is now recognized as nationally best-in-class, earning the 2023 Program Excellence Award from the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators.
Yet her legacy extends far beyond policies and procedures. It lives on in the relationships she built, the confidence she instilled in others, and the humor she brought to conversations about retention schedules.
A Career Built on Curiosity, Commitment, and Care
At the heart of her professional journey was a surprising beginning: Caroline didn’t set out to become a records manager. In her own words, she once imagined a career as an actuary—until she discovered that what she truly loved was organization, clarity, and helping others make sense of complex information.
She earned three degrees that shaped her approach to RIM:
- BA in History, NC State
- MA in Public History, NC State
- MLS in Library Science, North Carolina Central University
Along the way, her career wound through archives, records offices, and professional associations. She discovered her calling in turning paper-filled basements and unstructured digital folders into systems that empowered people.
When UVA hired her as the first full-time University Records Officer, there was no centralized records program. Records were scattered across Grounds—in departmental closets, storage units, cages in Fontana Food Service, even the basement of Carruthers Hall. Little was indexed. Few records were securely stored. Disposition was rare.
Rather than seeing this as a burden, she viewed it as an opportunity full of potential.
What followed was the creation of the entire RIM program from scratch—policy, training, technology, culture—eventually leading a small but mighty team that now includes Jessie Graham, Electronic Records Manager and Anita Vannucci, Sr. Records Management Analyst, supervised by Gary Nimax, Assistant Vice President for Compliance.
Among her many achievements, she led the development of the University’s first records management policy, guided it through the UVA Policy Review Committee, and later updated it to include mandatory training for all employees.
Through years of steady persistence, Caroline and her team turned a new records management function into one that was nationally recognized as being best-in-class.
Work That Quietly Protected and Elevated the University
At the core of her philosophy was a deep belief that good recordkeeping helps the University function at its best. Because of her work and her team’s dedication, UVA now benefits from:
- Reduced storage needs and costs
- Faster access to information
- Stronger support for audits, legal requests, and FOIA
- Improved protection for sensitive data
- Compliance with state, federal, and international regulations
Across Schools and administrative units, the impact of her work was felt daily, even if employees didn’t always know it.
Caroline loved showing people the before-and-after photos of a cleaned-up records space, but what she prized most were the people themselves. Over two decades, she built a network of “records champions”—colleagues who carried her guidance with them wherever they moved in the University.
A Leader, a Mentor, a National Voice
Within the wider profession, Caroline was a respected leader. Within the Institute of Certified Records Managers, she progressed from exam writer to President (2023) and Chair of the Board (2024). She spoke frequently at national and local conferences including ARMA International, AIIM, Educause, Educause Security, and the Virginia Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (VAGARA). She is past president of the ARMA Richmond Chapter and led the College and University Industry Roundtable for it. She also served on the board of VAGARA and received its 2016 Outstanding Member of the Year award.
As her supervisor, Gary Nimax, AVP for Compliance, reflected:
“We have been inundated with messages expressing condolences from the university community, as well as colleagues at other universities and professional organizations. I knew that people in the university community adored Caroline, but I have been reminded how true that was. She was a trusted employee and confidante, and I enjoyed having her on my team. I hope she realized how much she was loved and respected at UVA.”
His supervisor, Carolyn Saint, Chief Audit Executive, added:
“Her loss has reverberated across Grounds—a testament to how many lives she touched. She built UVA’s RIM program from scratch, and as ICRM President, modernized certification and championed volunteers. Our thoughts are especially with her colleagues as we remember her professionalism, warmth, and kindness."
The Person Behind the Profession
Away from work, Caroline embraced a full and joyful life. She loved:
- Watching English soccer—especially her beloved Chelsea
- Traveling
- Making her famous shortbread
- Singing with the Crozet Chorus
- Celebrating Halloween
- Spending time with her mother and brother
- Staying home with her rescue cat, Jack, who often appeared on Zoom
For those who worked closely with her, these glimpses of her joyful and witty personality are among the memories that hurt and help the most.
A Legacy That Lives On
One of the most meaningful moments in recent years came when UVA prepared its nomination for the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA) Program Excellence Award. This national association selects one winner each year from among its members to recognize “outstanding, innovative and successful records management programs or initiatives.”
As Gary recalled:
Under Caroline’s leadership, the University developed a records management program that is worthy of national recognition. I appreciate the team’s ability to both comply with the Virginia Public Records Act and provide excellent customer service to our schools and departments.
In preparing the nomination, the RIM team gathered letters of support from colleagues and partners across the University. When Caroline read them, she cried.
Those letters confirmed what many already knew:
Her work mattered.
Her leadership mattered.
She mattered.
In the wake of her passing, Gary, Jessie, and Anita express deep appreciation for the cards, flowers, and condolences sent to the RIM and Compliance teams and to Caroline’s family. The kindness of colleagues has been a source of comfort during a difficult transition.
Caroline’s family will host a Celebration of Life in her honor on Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Tabor Presbyterian Church in Crozet.
A Final Word
Caroline Walters shaped UVA in ways most people will never see—but everyone benefits from. She leaves behind a program that will serve the University for decades, a team that continues her mission, and a community that will remember her warmth, humor, and dedication.
Her legacy is not just the order she brought to records.
It is the connection she brought to people.