As Vanderbilt Magazine was going to press, we received word of the death of Vanderbilt’s beloved fifth chancellor, Alexander Heard, who led Vanderbilt from 1963 until 1982. Much admired by students and faculty alike, he was adviser to three U.S. presidents and chancellor at Vanderbilt during a time of enormous growth. He guided the university smoothly through the stormy period of the 1960s and 1970s without the unrest and violence that afflicted many college campuses. Heard, who was 92, died July 24 at his home after a long illness. Look for more about his vast legacy in the fall issue of Vanderbilt Magazine.
Watch video of Chancellor Alexander Heard’s July 29 memorial service at Benton Chapel.