Leon Atchison, Wayne State University's longest-serving member of its Board of Governors died Monday, the school announced Friday. Atchison, who completed his last term in 2002 after 32 years of service, was 87. In 2008, the university renamed South University Hall - one of WSU's two undergraduate residence halls - Leon H. Atchison Hall. In a news release, the university credited Atchison's vision with the creation of the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs and the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. WSU also said he led the reorganization of the College of Liberal Arts and the establishment of the College of Science. During his decades on the board, more than $1 billion in capital improvements were made. Atchison's death is "a major loss of a valued friend and a treasured colleague," Gary Pollard, chair of the Board of Governors, said in a statement. "Leon was an exceptional member of the Wayne State board and a wonderful person," Diane Dunaskiss, a member of the Board of Governors, said in a statement. "He was committed to the mission of the university. His wisdom and experience were valued by his colleagues and the university community. Leon's passing is a tremendous loss and he will be greatly missed, but he will be remembered with great fondness and appreciation."

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150626/NEWS/150629863/leon-atchison-32-year-wsu-board-veteran-dies-at-87
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