Frank Vandiver
Frank Vandiver | |
|---|---|
| President of Texas A&M University | |
| In office 1981-1988 | |
| Preceded by | Charles H. Samson Jr. |
| Succeeded by | William H. Mobley |
| President of North Texas State University | |
| In office 1979-1981 | |
| Acting President of Rice University | |
| In office 1969-1970 | |
| Preceded by | Kenneth Pitzer |
| Succeeded by | Norman Hackerman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 9, 1925 Austin, Texas, USA |
| Died | January 7, 2005 (aged 79) College Station, Texas, USA |
| Spouse(s) | Carol Sue Smith (d. 1979) Renee Carmody (m. 1891) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Rockefeller Fellowship |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Historian |
| Sub-discipline | American Civil War expert |
| Institutions | Washington University in St. Louis Rice University North Texas State University Texas A&M University |
Frank Everson Vandiver (December 9, 1925 in Austin, Texas – January 7, 2005 in College Station, Texas) was an American Civil War historian, the 19th president of Texas A&M University and the former president of the University of North Texas, as well as acting president of Rice University. Vandiver wrote, co-wrote, or edited 24 books, and published an additional 100 scholarly articles or reviews. One of his books was a runner-up for a National Book Award.
Early years
Vandiver was born in Texas. He joined the
Teaching
After graduation, Vandiver accepted a teaching position as
Texas A&M University
In 1981 Vandiver became president of
Vandiver resigned as president of A&M in 1988, citing a desire to spend more time on research and writing. Rather than leave the university, he established the Mosher Defense Studies Institute, a national defense think tank.[2] He was also named a distinguished professor in the history department.[1]
Writing
Vandiver wrote, co-wrote or edited 24 books, most centered on the American Civil War. Almost half of his books were still in print at the time of his death, including his first book Ploughshares Into Swords: Josiah Gorgas and Confederate Ordnance (1952). His 1977 book Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing, was a runner-up for a National Book Award.[1] He also published over 100 scholarly articles or reviews.[2]
Vandiver was awarded many honors for his work. Among these were honors from two
Personal life
The Houston Chronicle described Vandiver as "a colorful and articulate man with much personal charm".[2] He was married twice. His first wife Carol Sue Smith died in 1979.[1] In 1981 Vandiver married Renee Aubry Carmody.[7] He had three children.
Vandiver died at his home in College Station, Texas on January 7, 2005.[1]
Selected works
- Ploughshares Into Swords: Josiah Gorgas and Confederate Ordnance (1952)
- Rebel Brass: The Confederate Command System (1956)
- Mighty Stonewall (1957)
- Jubal's Raid: General Early's Famous Attack on Washington in 1864 (1960)
- Their Tattered Flags: The Epic of the Confederacy (1970)
- Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing (1977) — runner up for National Book Award
- Blood Brothers: A Short History of the Civil War (1992)
- Shadows of Vietnam: Lyndon Johnson's Wars (1997)
- 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the Civil War (1999)
- 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About World War II (2000)
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Saxon, Wolfgang (January 15, 2005), "Frank Vandiver, Historian Who Became University Chief, Dies at 79", New York Times, retrieved 2009-01-15
- ^ a b c d Stancill, Nancy (January 8, 1988), "Vandiver to stay at A&m, create think tank", Houston Chronicle, retrieved 2009-01-15
- ^ "Signing of law elates A&M leader", Houston Chronicle, November 4, 1987, retrieved 2009-01-15
- ^ "Personal mention", Houston Chronicle, February 24, 1985, retrieved 2009-01-15
- ^ a b "A&M Vandiver is honored by Civil War group", Houston Chronicle, May 5, 1985, retrieved 2009-01-15
- ^ "On campus", Houston Chronicle, February 28, 1988, retrieved 2009-01-15
- ^ "25 YEARS AGO; From the files of the Record-Chronicle, March 26-April 2, 1980", Denton Record-Chronicle, archived from the original on July 17, 2011, retrieved 2009-01-15
External links
- Frank E. Vandiver[permanent dead link], obituary from Texas A&M University
- Frank Vandiver at Find a Grave
- Guide to the Frank E. Vandiver papers, 1947-c. 1977 (Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA)
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