MS SC580

Dr. Donald Wayne Zacharias, 77, President Emeritus of Mississippi State University, died March 3, 2013; he served as MSU president for 12.5 years from 1985 to 1997, the second longest tenure in the institution's history.

During his presidency, MSU's enrollment, private contributions, research, and athletic achievement grew significantly, and the university established one of a handful of National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers and became nationally known for classroom technology use.

Prior to MSU, Zacharias served as president of Western Kentucky University from 1979 to 1985 and held positions at the University of Texas System and Indiana University, earning teaching excellence awards from all three institutions.

Zacharias Village, a co-residential living-learning community comprising 4 residence halls, was designated in 2008 in his honor to recognize his commitment to student achievement.

The Legislature extends sympathy to his surviving family, including his wife of 53 years Tommie, 3 children, and 3 grandchildren, and thanks them for sharing Dr. Zacharias with Mississippi.