Former University of Colorado President William H. Baughn, Ph.D., died Sunday, Nov. 1, in Boulder. He was 91.
Baughn served as the university's 14th and 16th presidents, and was dean of the CU-Boulder College of Business and Administration from 1964 to 1984. He was the only person to serve as CU president twice, and was tapped several times following his retirement to fill important administrative leadership roles, including president and chancellor.
CU President Bruce D. Benson issued the following statement upon learning of Baughn's death: "During William Baughn's distinguished career at CU he not only was the right man when the university needed leadership, but he served with distinction for more than two decades as dean of the College of Business and Administration and as a faculty member," Benson said. "I had the pleasure of working with him during his second presidency, and found him to be a stellar educator and passionate advocate for the University of Colorado."
CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano issued this statement, "Bill Baughn's innovative ideas and programs took CU to the next level and we still benefit from his work to this day," said DiStefano, who has been on campus since 1974. "When he was dean of the business school he took a program that was spread out in attics and basements and gave it its first permanent home. He spearheaded our first Business Advisory Council of business leaders and donors that raised money not only for a new building but also for the furniture to go inside it. We couldn't afford movers so faculty moved the books and equipment in with wheelbarrows. He brought that same dogged determination with him as our president."
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