H. Fred Simons, a former academic and student affairs vice president for whom the University’s African American Cultural Center is named, died on April 10, 2013, in Rockville, Conn.

Simons was part of the first generation of African American students to receive a doctorate in higher education and administration from the School of Education at UConn, and later served as the University’s academic and student affairs vice president, among other positions.

At UConn, he was responsible for establishing the first full university scholarship for minority students, and was also instrumental in starting a six-week summer college preparatory program for minority students. His consensus-building leadership style helped the University with its emerging commitment to attract, retain, and graduate minority students, and with its strategic goal to expand racial and ethnic diversity.

In recognition of his early efforts in multicultural education, UConn’s African American Cultural Center was named for him. Simons retired in 1989 but continued to be a role model for UConn students. In 2007, he was presented the University of Connecticut’s Provost Pioneer Award for Diversity and, at its 40th Anniversary Gala, the Center for Academic Programs recognized him for outstanding commitment and contribution to access and educational opportunity.

“He loved UConn and was a student affairs vice president during the 70s,” says Willena Price, director of the African American Cultural Center. “African American alums of that era revered Dr. Simons.  They felt that he was their advisor, protector (in a very hostile environment), mentor, and friend. We are all deeply grieved to hear this news.”

She notes that Simons took great pride in the University’s African American Cultural Center and would stop by almost every year.

She says that Simons died in his sleep early Wednesday morning, after watching the women’s basketball national championship game, and knew that the UConn women won the game.

A native of North Carolina, he served in the United States Army during World War II, and received his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State College, where he later earned a master’s degree in education and public school administration.

Prior to coming to UConn, he was a high school teacher, assistant principal, and high school principal.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Alice, their three children, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A wake will be held on April 20 at 11 a.m. at the Rowson Funeral Home at 104 North Oakham St. in Edenton, N.C., and funeral services will be held at noon at the Bay Branch A.M.E. Zion Church at 308 Bay Branch Road in Belvidere, N.C.

A memorial service in his honor will be held on the Storrs campus at a future date, at the convenience of his family.