John W. Hicks, MS '48, PhD '50, who served Purdue for more than 40
years and had a major impact on Indiana higher education, died Dec.12
in West Lafayette, following a long illness. He was 81.
In addition to holding key administrative positions at Purdue, Hicks
for many years was the university's liaison with the state
of Indiana.
Hicks retired from Purdue in 1987 as senior vice president emeritus.
He also was an emeritus professor of agricultural economics and pursued
his lifelong love of education by continuing to teach classes until
January 1995.
The undergraduate library at West Lafayette was named for Hicks in
recognition of his many contributions to the university.
Purdue President Emeritus Steven C. Beering said, "John Hicks
was a consummate diplomat and a true statesman of higher education whose
advice was cherished by three Purdue presidents."
Hicks was named acting president, succeeding Arthur Hansen in 1982,
a position he held until 1983 when Beering became president. When it
was suggested he be named successor to President Hansen, Hicks refused,
saying, "I'm too old, and I'm too smart."
