Melvin D. George *59

Melvin George, retired president of St. Olaf College, died April 25, 2016, in Northfield, Minn., at home at the age of 80.

George graduated from Northwestern University in 1956, and in 1959 earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton. In 1960, he joined the mathematics faculty at the University of Missouri.

In 1970, he became dean of arts and sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1975, he returned to Missouri as vice president of academic affairs. From 1984 to 1985, he served as Missouri’s interim president. During that period, he was appointed president of St. Olaf College, from which he retired in 1994.

George then became vice president for institutional relations at the University of Minnesota. After holding this position for two years, he returned to Missouri to serve a second time as interim president from 1996 to 1997.

In 1996, George said, “An interim president is obligated to keep the institution moving, but not so vigorously as to make it difficult to change direction when a new president comes in.” His priority was reported as having a respectful campus environment.

George is survived by his wife of 58 years, Meta, and two daughters.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.