University's second president dies Sunday

Former University president Dr. Geroge F. Hamm

Former University President Dr. George F. Hamm, whose tenure oversaw the development of the first campus student housing and performing arts venue, died Sunday after a brief illness. He was 79.

Hamm, the second president in University history, served from 1981 to 1998. He succeeded president Dr. James Stewart who served from 1971 to 1981 and preceded current University president Dr. Rodney Mabry.

In a prepared statement released late Sunday, Mabry praised Hamm for his accomplishments as president, including his work with state legislatures to pass a bill allowing the University to be four-year instead of an upper-level university.

“President Hamm influenced the University and the community in such important ways,” Mabry said. “He was a major force in the development of the university, and students, faculty and staff will be forever in his debt.”

Dr. Pat Gajda, who has worked as a history professor at the University since 1974, recalled Hamm as close friend.

“He put the University on the map, literally,” Gajda said. “He had signs put up in front of the University and had maps published with the University marked on them. I loved him dearly, I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home. The service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler.

Hamm was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on June 26, 1931. He earned his bachelors degree from South Dakota State University. He then joined the U.S. Army and spent 16 months leading infantry in Korea.

After his time in the military he earned his masters degree in experimental psychology from the University of Wyoming. While in Wyoming he met his wife of 52 years, Janie.

Hamm earned his doctoral degree from the University of Wyoming, and then worked as assistant dean there.

After spending 20 years as dean of students at Arizona State University, Hamm interviewed for the position of president of UT Tyler. He accepted the position, and began serving his term in August of 1981. By the end of his second semester, student enrollment has grown to 2,344.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall sponsored a congressional resolution commending Hamm in 1998 for his “unmatched leadership and vision to the University.”

When Hamm announced his retirement, he described his years at the University as, “the best and happiest years of my professional life.”

In honor to his contributions to the University, UT System Board of Regents granted him the title of President Emeritus in 2003.

There are no immediate plans for University memorial. Funeral arrangements are pending with Stewart Family Funeral Home in Tyler.

Hamm is survived by his wife Janie, his children Greg Hamm of Virginia and Jean Marie Glass of Tyler, and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Joseph Hamm and Daniel George.