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James L. Fisher
Born
James Lee Fisher

(1931-06-02)June 2, 1931
Decatur, Illinois, U.S.
DiedSeptember 7, 2022(2022-09-07) (aged 91)
Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.
TitlePresident of Towson University

James Lee Fisher (June 2, 1931 – September 7, 2022) was an American academic administrator and psychologist. He served as the ninth president of Towson State University (now Towson University) from 1969 to 1978.

Early life

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Fisher was born in Decatur, Illinois, on June 2, 1931.[1][2] He initially studied at Millikin University but dropped out due to poor academic performance in 1950.[3] He subsequently enlisted in the US Marine Corps and served for four years.[1][3] After being discharged, he resumed his studies and graduated with honors from Illinois State University in 1956. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology from Northwestern University seven years later.[3]

Career

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Fisher was first employed in the administration of Northwestern while he was completing his doctorate there.[2] After six years in that capacity, he became president of Towson State College in 1969, succeeding Earle Hawkins at the age of 38.[1][3] During his tenure, Fisher instituted a winter academic session and created new positions for five academic deans and four vice presidents.[1] He also oversaw the development of the campus with the construction of thirteen buildings. Student enrollment almost doubled under his leadership from 5,727 to 10,762.[4] The college was eventually renamed Towson State University in 1976.[1] Fisher was dubbed a "master educational politician" by The Baltimore Sun as a result of his success,[3][5] and he was even urged to run for governor of Maryland by the leaders of the state's Democratic and Republican parties.[3] He ultimately stepped down as university president in 1978, to become president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).[1]

As CASE president, Fisher undertook hundreds of institutional reviews for universities,[1][3] and consulted with over 300 post-secondary institutions.[3][5] He also contributed to a daily radio show on WBAL for a few years.[3] He was conferred 12 honorary degrees and wrote or edited 11 books.[1] The outstanding thesis award at Illinois State (his alma mater) is named in his honor, as is CASE's distinguished service to education award.[1][3]

Personal life

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Fisher was married to Kimberly.[3][6] He had four children: Kerry, Kathy, Kurt, and John.[1] He initially resided in the Baltimore metropolitan area before relocating to Vero Beach, Florida, during his later years.[3][5]

Fisher died on September 7, 2022, at his home in Vero Beach. He was 91 years old.[1][2][7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "A message regarding the passing of President Emeritus James Fisher". Towson University. September 9, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Freeman, Caitlyn (September 9, 2022). "Former TU President James L. Fisher dies at 91". The Towerlight. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Socha, Rudy; Darrow, Carolyn (2004). Above & Beyond: Former Marines Conquer The Civilian World. Turner Publishing Company. pp. 87–88. ISBN 9781596520400.
  4. ^ Esslinger, Dean (2005). Towson University. Arcadia Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 9780738541877.
  5. ^ a b c Kelly, Jacques (March 8, 2008). "Whatever happened to … James Lee Fisher". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  6. ^ Gullard, Marie (July 7, 2002). "Five floors, harbor view and romance of the city". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
  7. ^ Fitzhugh, Nia (September 9, 2022). "Towson University campus mourns the death of former university president". WBFF. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
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