×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Daniel Crowder, WVNCC’s First President, Dies at 95

photo by: Photo courtesy of WVNCC

Daniel Crowder, left, the first president in West Virginia Northern Community College history, died in September at age 95. He is seen here with wife Wreatha in 2012.

Daniel Crowder, the first president in West Virginia Northern Community College’s history, died in September at age 95, the college announced Monday.

Crowder, born on July 24, 1927, in Jackson County, Tennessee, served as Northern’s president from 1972-85. Prior to WVNCC, Crowder served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and helped establish Miami-Dade Community College, which today is the largest institution of higher education in the nation.

Following his retirement from WVNCC, Crowder and his wife Wreatha relocated to Florida, where he served as an adjunct professor at Florida International University in Miami. He eventually became the executive director of the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities. Crowder also went on to author several books, including an autobiography, “An Improbable Journey.”

Crowder last visited WVNCC in 2012 during the College’s 40th-anniversary celebration. Although he couldn’t attend, Crowder did send written regards to the college earlier this year during WVNCC’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

“It is a great pleasure to be able to share with you in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of WVNCC’s founding,” Crowder wrote. “I am deeply grateful to all who worked tirelessly over the years to make the dream of a better life, for all who wish to learn, a reality in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Keep up the good work and again, my thanks to you all.”

“Although I never had the opportunity to personally meet Dr. Crowder, I have enjoyed many stories from employees and community members of his time at WVNCC,” commented WVNCC President Daniel Mosser. “We are eternally grateful for his vision and leadership and for laying a strong foundation that has served our students and this community well for 50 years.”

Crowder, who received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from Ball State University, is survived by his wife of 71 years and two sons, Phillip and David.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today