Provost Peggy Agouris sent the following message to the campus community on Sept. 11, 2026. – Ed.
Dear colleagues,
I write to share the sad news that Shirley Campbell Aceto—a cherished mother, friend, mentor, and colleague—passed away on August 22, 2026, at her home in Sonoma, California, with her son, Scott Peterson, by her side.
Shirley devoted 39 years of distinguished service to William & Mary, supporting six Provosts and five Presidents before retiring in 2010.
Shirley joined William & Mary in 1971 after her future husband, Hank Aceto, was hired as a biologist. She began her career as Assistant to Provost George Healy and went on to guide successive Provosts and Presidents through the complexities of their new roles. Along the way, she became a trusted advisor and powerful advocate for faculty and staff alike.
When Shirley retired, then-Provost Michael Halleran honored her remarkable career by establishing the Aceto Award. The award recognizes members of the instructional and professional faculty who exemplify the same legacy of dedication, integrity, and excellence in service that defined Shirley’s nearly four decades at William & Mary.
Reflecting on her impact, Colleen Kennedy, Professor Emerita of English, shared, “Together, Shirley and Hank brought a distinctive California sophistication and style to Williamsburg and to the College they cherished. Shirley, in particular, became an indispensable force for good, leaving an enduring mark on the institution and the community.”
Shirley has been deeply missed at William & Mary since her retirement, and she is mourned now by Scott, her extended family, and her many friends, especially the faculty and staff whose lives and careers she touched through her decades of service.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in the Wren Chapel on Thursday, October 15, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Great Hall. All members of the William & Mary community are warmly invited to attend.
Sincerely,
Peggy