Retirement Means a New Life Halfway Around the World

When Dr. Chuck Nuckles retired in November 2006 after more than 20 years at Concordia, he had a definite direction in mind – East. Far East, to be exact, all the way to Shanghai, China.

Nuckles and his wife, Cass Markovich, already have strong ties to China. Several years ago they started an online business devoted to importing Asian art and antiques, which required regular trips to China and working with Asian contacts. He also has lectured at Xian Jiaotong University in Xian, China.

In China, Nuckles said, his main job will be supporting Cass in her new teaching job. And he has already set some post-retirement goals: improve his Chinese language skills, learn to navigate around Shanghai and arrange a connection with one of the local universities.

Nuckles first joined Concordia in 1984 as adjunct faculty. He soon was appointed an associate professor in the Concordia School of Accelerated Learning and eventually served as chair of the M.A.in Organizational Management department in the College of Graduate & Continuing Studies.

Nuckles also was part of the interim leadership team that guided the College of Business and Organizational Leadership into being, serving as interim associate dean of the college during the search for the college’s new dean.

“I will miss the intellectual stimulation,” Nuckles said about leaving Concordia.

“I will especially miss the regular opportunity to hear CSP’s fabulous instrumental and vocal music performances. While I am very proud to have been a part of the success of the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies and its subsequent change to the College of Business and Organizational Leadership, it’s time for others to play a bigger role in the college’s future,” he said.

As for his newest venture, “There are endless opportunities in China,” Nuckles said. “I expect to be spending a lot of time sorting out the good ones.”