Dean W. Colvard, who served as Mississippi State University's 12th president from 1960-66, died Thursday, June 28, in Charlotte, N.C., where he had lived in retirement since serving as the first chancellor of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. He was 93.
MSU President Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong made the following statement:
"Although it has been more than four decades since Dean W. Colvard served as president of Mississippi State, his influence on the institution remains strongly visible and he is remembered as one of the most effective and most courageous leaders in the university's history.
"He presided during a time of great social change and rapid growth during the 1960's, and is often credited with overseeing the beginnings of Mississippi State's transition into a modern, comprehensive university, expanding MSU's role in research, graduate education, and economic development.
"Dean Colvard is remembered by many in our community as a man of vision who helped Mississippi State broaden its horizons and expand opportunities and service to the people of our state. Our university will be forever grateful for his contributions."
Further information about Dr. Colvard in available on the UNCC website at http://www.publicrelations.uncc.edu/default.asp?id=15&objId=267