Retired Jefferson College President Wayne Watts, who died at age 73 on July 14, is remembered for his service to the school, said Board of Trustees member Ron Scaggs.
Watts was living in Ocala, Fla., before his death.
He was the college’s sixth president, serving from 2006 to 2009. He was a senior college administrator for 27 years, including 17 years at Jefferson College.
“I admired Wayne Watts greatly for his leadership,” Scaggs said. “I don’t think people realized he had been in the military.
“He brought his leadership skills to the college. I personally enjoyed working with him and I’ve missed him for many years.”
According to information from Jefferson College, Watts served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967 and was a decorated paratrooper. He was a combat medic during the 1965 Dominican Republic Rebellion with the 82nd Airborne Division and a combat medic from 1966-67 in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division.
Highlights during Watts’ tenure as the Jefferson College president include the construction of an $8 million state-of-the-art education center in Arnold; the purchase of land on Hwy. 30 for possible future development; the creation of an Advising and Retention Center to improve student success and support; the expansion of academic programs and business programs; the renovation of campus facilities and classrooms; and the growth of enrollment to record levels.
Born in Baltimore, Md., Watts earned an associate degree from Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Baltimore, and a doctorate from the American University in Washington, D.C.
He announced his intention to retire from Jefferson College in 2008 after having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006.
He is survived by his wife, Beth, who retired as Student Support Services director of Jefferson College; four sons: Christopher, Brian, Jason and Douglas; a sister: Marcine Schelhouse; and 10 grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Dr. Wayne H. Watts Scholarship Fund, Jefferson College, 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, 63050 or by contacting the Jefferson College Foundation at 636-797-3000, ext. 3105.