President Warren Brandt , 1974 - 1979

 

Brandt earned two chemistry degrees, one each from Michigan State University and the University of Illinois, before joining the administration of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

From there, Brandt rose through the ranks at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he did stints as dean, vice president and was president.for four years.

On Dec. 1, 1974, he exchanged his post out East for the top leadership job at SIUC.

The Lansing, Mich., native is remembered for his efforts to improve the University's educational programs and for revitalizing its many diverse services.

An Aug. 18, 1979 editorial in the area's Southern Illinoisan newspaper praised Brandt's leadership and his many contributions.

Brandt, according to the paper, had earned respect because: "He initiated and supported efforts to raise academic standards and improve the quality of education. Student services were improved. Graduate programs have matured. Research - and the funding to pay for it - has increased dramatically. Physical improvements on the campus have been made and a beginning made to restore area services to one of the fundamental functions of the university."

Brandt resigned in 1979 to become the vice president of general administration for the University of Maryland System.