NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Friends, family members, and colleagues prepared to say goodbye to Dr. James Hefner.
The former Tennessee State University president died Thursday after a long bout with cancer.
A memorial service began at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for Dr. Hefner at the Walter A. Davis humanities building on campus.
People filled the auditorium where Dr. Hefner’s body has been lying in repose.
Dr. Hefner wanted nothing less than the best for his students
“TSU's College of Business continues to be among an elite number of schools to hold this distinguished accreditation,” Dr. Hefner said back in 2004.
As president of Tennessee State University, he prided himself in transforming it into a top-tier research university and increasing enrollment.
Dr. Gloria Johnson said he was extremely student friendly.
“He came up with the slogan, ‘Students Matter Most,’” Dr. Johnson said. “We had signs put up all over the campus. ‘Students Matter Most.’ That was to remind us that was the most important thing we needed to be concerned about here.”
So when word spread on campus of his death, his friends and colleagues tried to remember the good times and all of his contributions
Dr. Hefner was also responsible for implementing the construction of several new buildings, like the Student Center and administrative offices.
Many of the older buildings also received new recognition under his tenure.
“He believed in letting people know some of the history of the university, so most of those buildings have more than one name,” Dr. Johnson said.
He served as TSU's president from 1991 to 2005 and continued to serve in the academic field after that.
Dr. Johnson said she will most miss his dedication to making a difference.
Dr. Hefner’s funeral has been set to take place Thursday at Christ Church Cathedral. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and several grandchildren.
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