President Delyte W. Morris, 1948 - 1970
The Teachers College Board elected Morris as the
University’s leader
in 1948, just a few months before state lawmakers created a seven-member
independent governing board to oversee SIU.
In his 22 years at SIU, Morris built upon the rich, early history
of the University, which he recognized was situated in the most disadvantaged,
rural region of Illinois.
His foresight and leadership catapulted SIU into the ranks of major
American universities.
Among Morris’s beliefs:
•
Higher education is the surest way to secure a prosperous, meaningful
future for our citizens.
•
Higher education should be available to all who seek it regardless
of race, nationality, gender, economic circumstance or physical limitations.
•
While undergraduate education is the central mission of SIU, the
presence of graduate and professional programs is essential to the
full potential of SIU's contribution to Illinois and the nation.
•
The University's mission should dovetail with the state's economic
and social resources..
•
Entrepreneurial spirit — that willingness to be innovative, seize
opportunities and reward creativity —is a key characteristic of exceptional
universities.
He retired from the University in 1980.
