In Memoriam: Charles Lyons Jr., 1926-2017
Filed in In Memoriam on July 25, 2017
Charles Lyons Jr., the former chancellor of Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, died on July 21 in Florida. He was 91 years old.
Dr. Lyons became chancellor of Fayetteville State University in 1969. He served in that role for 18 years before resigning in 1987. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lyons taught at what is now Grambling State University in Louisiana and was a dean at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. He also served as dean of admissions at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Lyons was a native of Conetoe, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Shaw University in Raleigh and a master’s degree and a doctorate at Ohio State University.
Dr. Charles “A” Lyons, Jr. was a mentor and friend of mine. His impact on my life and career in higher education was manifested in his sage advise and support of my professional development. I am fortunate that he allowed me into his life. His presence shall forever be with me.
John T. Wolfe, Jr.
Dr. Lyons was an extraordinary man and leader. He always had time to visit with students. “Well done Dr. Lyons, you gave so much to so many”.
I was so blessed to have served at Fayetteville State University under the leadership of Dr. Charles Lyons and further blessed to have been mentored by him for more than 30 years. He remained passionate about education all of his life and will surely leave a legacy for those of us who were fortunate to know him.
I was a student at Fayetteville State University under Dr. Charles “A” Lyons, Jr. He was a tremendous leader who always had a kind word to say to students. He and my father worked together in 1962 in the education field in North Carolina. I feel honored and blessed to have known him.