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James E. Cheek

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James E. Cheek
Cheek with Ronald Reagan in 1981
Born
James Edward Cheek

(1932-12-04)December 4, 1932
DiedJanuary 8, 2010(2010-01-08) (aged 77)
Education
Occupation(s)educator, scholar, theologian, public speaker, humanitarian
Years active1958–2010
SpouseCelestine (m. 1958)
Children2
AwardsPresidential Medal of Freedom

James Edward Cheek (December 4, 1932 – January 8, 2010)[1] was president of Howard University from 1968 to 1989. He was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

Howard University President (1968–1989)

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In 1989, Cheek appointed Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater as a member of the Howard University Board of Trustees. Students rose up in protest against Atwater's appointment, disrupting Howard's 122nd anniversary celebrations, and eventually occupied the university's administration building.[2] Within days, both Atwater and Cheek resigned.

Personal life

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Cheek was married to the former Celestine Williams, and had two children. He died on January 8, 2010, from complications of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

References

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  1. ^ Martin, Douglas (January 21, 2010). "James E. Cheek, Forceful University President, Dies at 77". The New York Times. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
  2. ^ Stanley, Alessandra; Jacob V. Lamar (March 20, 1989). "Saying No to Lee Atwater". Time.com. Time Warner. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007.
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