Community remembers McLeod as heart of University

James McLeod, the vice chancellor for students and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, passed away Tuesday due to kidney failure, a complication of a two-year battle with cancer.

McLeod, 67, has been a part of the Washington University community since 1974, and was named dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in 1992.

“I think he is going to be one of the most revered figures in the history of Washington University. I would say that for everybody who has come to have the opportunity as I have to work closely with him, we all regard him as a role model and a mentor,” Chancellor Mark Wrighton said.

Hundreds of Washington University students, alumni, faculty, administrators and members of the St. Louis community gathered in Brookings Quadrangle on Tuesday night at a candlelight vigil to commemorate McLeod’s passing.

Members of the Washington University community, including Chancellor Wrighton, Ervin scholars and others who knew McLeod spoke at the vigil.

In 2010, a scholarship was set up in McLeod’s name to be given to students who exhibit the qualities he prized most highly: leadership, academic achievement, commitment to serving others and integrity. He was also the director of the Ervin Scholars Program.

A Facebook page entitled the “Dean James E. McLeod Remembrance Page” was created shortly after his death. It features personal memories written by his students and friends. At press time, more than 2,500 people had “liked” it.

The University is planning a formal memorial service for McLeod on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m. in the Athletic Complex Field House.

This week’s Jazz at Holmes will be dedicated to McLeod.

“Washington University has lost one of its great leaders and he is going to be deeply missed. He will be long remembered,” Wrighton said.