Former University of Tulsa president dies
Tulsa World kyle.hinchey @tulsaworld.com
TULSA — Steadman Upham, whose resolute commitment and passion helped propel the University of Tulsa’s community outreach and academic prestige during his 12 years as president, died Sunday. He was 68.
Upham’s unexpected death from complications following a recent hip surgery devastated the TU community as news of what happened spread Monday.
After retiring as university president at the end of 2016, Upham agreed to return this spring to teach a class as part of the new Presidential Leaders Fellowship program.
Part of what made Upham’s tenure such a success was his love for the institution and his determination to see it flourish in academics, current TU President Gerard Clancy said.
“Stead has had a tremendous impact on TU and on the Tulsa community,” Clancy said. “If you just walk on this campus, everywhere you look you see his imprint as far as taking TU and making it a beautiful campus. He really increased our footprint as a destination and a place to be.”
Decades before coming to Tulsa, Upham earned his doctorate in anthropology at Arizona State University. His early career included teaching archaeology for almost 10 years at the University of New Mexico and working at the University of Oregon as vice provost for research and dean of the graduate school.
He also served as president and chief executive officer of Claremont Graduate University near Los Angeles.
Upham became the TU president in 2004, overseeing the development of the university’s academic programs and research enterprises. Under his leadership, new doctoral programs in chemistry, physics and anthropology were put in place.
The private college saw a boosted number of interdisciplinary research institutes and the creation of international programs during his presidency. He started the Center for Global Education, enabling students to travel the world and experience its diverse cultures.
Not only did he advance the university’s scholastic pursuits, but Upham also focused on community engagement.
Upham helped foster the True Blue Neighbors initiative, which established a tight partnership between TU and the surrounding Kendall-Whittier neighborhood, along with other service organizations throughout the city.
In 2008, he crafted the Gilcrease Museum management partnership with the city of Tulsa.
“At the time when TU began its management of Gilcrease Museum, Gilcrease was really struggling,” Clancy said. “If you look at the quality of programs that we have there and you look at the future of what Gilcrease is going to have, it’s extraordinary. (Upham) was visionary on seeing what Gilcrease could be.”
Additionally, Upham represented the Helmerich Center for American Research, which was established during his tenure, during the acquisition of the Bob Dylan Archive last year.
Former colleagues and associates described Upham as a kind man who didn’t hesitate to dole out sage advice when asked.
Since Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum was sworn in, Upham had risen to the top of his list for executives he most admired and sought advice from, he said.
“He provides lots of good advice, but one point stood out above all others: As a leader you have day-to-day responsibilities — but you also have, for lack of a better word, pastoral responsibilities,” Bynum said in a statement Monday. “You have a responsibility to take care of, and be there for, the people you lead.
“It’s one of the best pieces of wisdom I’ve ever received. His passing came far too soon and is a terrible loss for our city.”
Upham is survived by his wife, Peggy Upham; their son, Nathan Upham; their daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Alejandro Lopez; and two grandchildren, Orion and Aadrock. Services are pending with Ninde Brookside Funeral Home.