Former Wichita State University president Eugene Hughes has died in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Hughes was WSU’s 11th president, serving from 1993 to his retirement at the end of 1998. He previously had served as president of Northern Arizona University. At Wichita State he developed the campaign for “The Metropolitan Advantage” to redefine the university’s connection to the community.
The WSU complex at 29th and Oliver was named the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex in 1999.
Interim WSU president Rick Muma issued a statement Thursday:
President Hughes has left an indelible footprint on our university, and we’re grateful for his wholehearted commitment to strengthening the connection between the university and our surrounding community. Though many of us are mourning Dr. Hughes’ passing, we take comfort in his enduring legacy to Shocker Nation.
To send in condolences, email president@wichita.edu, or leave a card or other memento from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, March 15, at the Metropolitan Complex, Entrance A.
