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Willis M. Tate
President of Southern Methodist University
In office
1974–1975
Preceded by Paul Hardin III
Succeeded by James Zumberge
5th President of Southern Methodist University
In office
1954–1971
Preceded by Umphrey Lee
Succeeded by Paul Hardin III
Personal details
Alma mater Southern Methodist University
OccupationAcademic administrator
Known forPresident of Southern Methodist University

Willis M. Tate (1912–1989) served as the president of Southern Methodist University from 1954 to 1971 and again from July 1974 to October 1975. [1] [2]

Biography

Willis M. Tate was born in Denver, Colorado. [2] He received a B.A. and an M.A. from Southern Methodist University. [1] He worked as a school principal in San Antonio, Texas, and returned to Southern Methodist to work as assistant dean of students in 1945 and professor of sociology. [1] [2] He served as its president from 1954 to 1975, with a one-year hiatus in 1974. [1] He died of a heart attack in Colorado in 1989. [1]

He served as chairman of the Independent College Funds of America and president of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the Methodist Church. [1] He was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Cycen Fjodr. [3] In 1965, he received the Alexander Meiklejohn Award of the American Association of University Professors for support of academic freedom. [2] [4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f AP (4 October 1989). "Willis M. Tate, 77, Ex-President of S.M.U." – via NYTimes.com.
  2. ^ a b c d "About the Series - SMU". smu.edu.
  3. ^ "Lambda Chi Alpha".
  4. ^ "Alexander Meiklejohn Award for Academic Freedom - AAUP". www.aaup.org.