Longtime UA Administrator Charles W. Oxford Dies
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Charles W. Oxford, who served the University of Arkansas for 62 years passed away Tuesday, Aug.16, 2005. Dr. Oxford held several administrative positions, including service as interim president of the University of Arkansas in 1974 and 1983.
Dr. Oxford served as an instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, professor, assistant dean, associate dean and department head in the University of Arkansas College of Engineering beginning in 1943. From 1966-72, he served as University of Arkansas administrative vice president. From 1972-79, he held the post of executive vice president for the University of Arkansas. In 1979, he became the vice president for academic affairs, a position he held until becoming the University of Arkansas vice chancellor for academic affairs. From 1982-1986, Dr. Oxford returned to the University of Arkansas System as vice president for academic affairs until his retirement. He then joined the UA Foundation Inc., serving for three years as executive director until retiring again in 1991. He rejoined the foundation on a part-time basis in November 1994 and worked there until two months ago.
UA System President B. Alan Sugg said: “Charles Oxford was one of the most genuine, humble, sincere and competent persons I have ever known. Dr. Oxford has had a tremendously positive impact on the University of Arkansas. We shall miss him, but we shall never forget his gentle spirit and superb leadership.”
Dr. Oxford was born in Texarkana, Texas on Nov. 16, 1921, the son of Charles Edward and Ellen Catherine Alphin Oxford. He graduated from Texarkana High School in 1939. He received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1944 and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1952. He did additional graduate work at Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1989 and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1992.
He served in the U.S. Navy Air Force during World War II.
Dr. Oxford is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rae Mauzy Oxford of Fayetteville. He is also survived by two daughters, Connie Tharel of Fayetteville and Cathy Bozynski of Little Rock; a son-in-law, Tony Bozynski; and five grandchildren — Nathan Tharel and his wife Zuleika; Philip Tharel, Susan Tharel, Rachel Bozynski Richey and her husband Paul, and Tyler Bozynski.
UA Chancellor John A. White said: “Mary Lib and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Charles Oxford. He was a dear friend and colleague and one of the finest university administrators I have ever known. His decades of service to the University of Arkansas were unparalleled as he provided leadership to his alma mater at the highest levels. I extend heartfelt condolences to his wife, Rae, and his family. He will be missed by the entire University community and it is a loss that will be felt throughout Arkansas.”
Active in his church and community, Dr. Oxford was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as church moderator for more than 40 years. He was a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and a member of the choir. He was a member of the Fayetteville School Board from 1965-78.
Dr. Oxford was honored earlier this year by the University of Arkansas College of Engineering as a member of the inaugural class of the Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers. In addition, a faculty position, the Charles W. Oxford Professorship in Emerging Technologies was recently established in his honor. The Oxford Lecture Series was established in his honor in 1982.
Dr. Oxford’s additional affiliations and accomplishments include membership in the Fayetteville Lions Club since 1959 and service as the organization’s president in 1966. He was also a member of the board of directors and the foundation board of Life Styles.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19 at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. Memorials may be directed to any of the following organizations.
. Music Ministry, First Baptist Church, 20 E. Dickson, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701
.
. Charles W. Oxford Professorship, University of Arkansas, University House, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701
.
. Life Styles, 2471 W. Sycamore, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703
.
. Washington Regional Hospice, 44 Colt Square, Suite 1, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703
.
Contacts
Laura H. Jacobs, director of University Relations, (479) 575-7422 or laura@uark.edu
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