State Rep. Morris Hood Jr., a powerful advocate for Michigan's higher education institutions, and Wayne State University in particular, died Tuesday at his Detroit home before he was able to realize one of his goals, returning to his favorite university to complete requirements for a degree.

The university has lowered its flags to half-staff in tribute to the veteran state legislator who had a special fondness for the institution.

Rep. Hood, who attended WSU in the mid-1950s before entering the Army, had mentioned recently that he intended to enroll again in classes. It would have been an appropriate scenario for the influential state legislator in view of his commitment to higher education and his longstanding efforts to ensure that Wayne State received its fair share of state appropriations.

"During his distinguished 28-year career in the Michigan House of Representatives, Morris Hood stood tall in his dedication to the education of students of all races and backgrounds," said WSU President Irvin D. Reid. "He provided unparalleled leadership and was the vital link for many initiatives that provided the university with critical state resources."

Among other leadership roles in the state House, Rep. Hood chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee and the Higher Education Subcommittee.

He helped WSU to secure the public funds necessary for construction of the David Adamany Undergraduate Library, the Faculty/Administration Building, the Academic/Administrative Building and the planned new building for the College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions, for which ground was broken last month. He also was instrumental in obtaining funding for the renovation and expansion of Old Main, the university's signature building.

The veteran state legislator also was in the forefront of the successful effort to establish an advanced diabetes center at Wayne State in the Detroit Medical Center. In appreciation for his efforts, the center was recently named the Wayne State University Morris Hood Jr. Comprehensive Diabetes Center.

"Rep. Hood has been a good friend and longtime supporter of Wayne State University," Reid said. "His leadership in securing critical state resources for the university helped to build a world class research, urban, teaching, service institution. He will be sorely missed, and shall not be forgotten."