Former Auburn University president dies

Auburn University has lost a former president.

A story by Charles Martin on the school’s website reports that James “Jim” Martin died Saturday at 84.

He served as the university’s 14th president from 1984 until he retired in 1992.

He was also a former president at the University of Arkansas.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Auburn President Jay Gogue said in the report. “He touched the lives of countless students throughout his career and he had many accomplishments during his time as president and in his other academic positions.”

Under Martin's leadership Auburn completed its most successful private capital campaign in the institution's history at that time, which resulted in $111 million of contributions and pledges. His tenure was highlighted by an administrative restructuring; capital construction projects totaling more than $100 million; a 10-year reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; and a faculty salary increase of approximately 25 percent. He also established a recruiting program for academically talented students in Alabama.

Martin was also a former Auburn student earning a degree in agricultural management in 1954. He then enrolled in graduate school at North Carolina State University where he received a master’s degree in agricultural economics in 1956. After serving two years in the United States armed forces, he enrolled at Iowa State University where he earned a doctorate in agricultural economics in 1962.

Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle, Alabama, is handling the arrangements which will be announced later.

This story was originally published June 4, 2017 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Former Auburn University president dies."