Lattie Coor

Lattie Coor
Name	Lattie Coor
Birth date	12 August 1936
Birth place	Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Alma mater	Gettysburg College (B.A.), Duke University (M.A., Ph.D.)
Occupation	University president, professor, administrator
Known for	President of University of Vermont, President of Arizona State University
Spouse	Elva Coor

Lattie Coor is an American academic administrator and professor who served as the president of two major public research universities. He is best known for his transformative 12-year presidency of Arizona State University, where he championed academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement, significantly expanding the institution's reach and reputation. His earlier career included leadership roles at the University of Vermont and within the University of Connecticut system, alongside significant contributions to national higher education policy.

Early life and education

Lattie Coor was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and his early academic promise led him to Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then pursued graduate studies in political science at Duke University in North Carolina, receiving both his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. His doctoral dissertation focused on American politics, laying the groundwork for his scholarly interest in public policy and governance, which would later inform his administrative philosophy.

Career

Coor began his academic career as a professor of political science, holding faculty positions at several institutions. He entered university administration at the University of Connecticut, where he served as vice president for academic affairs, working under president Homer Babbidge. In 1976, he was appointed president of the University of Vermont, a position he held for nearly a decade. During his tenure at the University of Vermont, he focused on strengthening the university's academic programs and its financial stability, navigating the challenges of public higher education funding in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Presidency of Arizona State University

In 1990, Lattie Coor became the 15th president of Arizona State University, succeeding J. Russell Nelson. His presidency, which lasted until 2002, is widely regarded as a period of dramatic growth and rising prestige for the institution. He launched the "ASU 2000" strategic plan, which emphasized building a comprehensive knowledge enterprise. Under his leadership, the university established the Barrett, The Honors College, significantly expanded research expenditures, and fostered partnerships with entities like the Mayo Clinic and Motorola. He also oversaw major campus construction, including the West campus and the expansion of the Tempe campus, while strongly advocating for increased access for students from diverse backgrounds.

Post-presidency and later work

After stepping down from the presidency of Arizona State University, Coor remained active in higher education and public service. He founded and chaired the Center for the Future of Arizona, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to shaping the state's future through research, civic engagement, and collaborative action on critical issues. He also served as a professor of practice within the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University and held advisory roles with organizations such as the American Council on Education and the Kellogg Foundation. His later work consistently focused on the intersection of education, civic health, and economic development.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Lattie Coor has received numerous accolades for his leadership in education. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from institutions including Gettysburg College and Northern Arizona University. His honors include the Distinguished Service Award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and recognition from the Anti-Defamation League. In 2007, the Lattie and Elva Coor Building on the Arizona State University campus was named in honor of him and his wife for their enduring legacy and service to the university.

Personal life

Lattie Coor is married to Elva Coor, who was an active partner in his university presidencies, particularly in initiatives related to community outreach and the arts. The couple has two children. Known for his thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, Coor is also an avid reader with a deep interest in history and political philosophy. He maintains a residence in Phoenix, Arizona, and continues to be a prominent voice in discussions concerning the future of Arizona and American public higher education.

Category:American university presidents Category:Arizona State University people Category:University of Vermont people Category:1936 births Category:Living people