Media release...
Former University of Tulsa President Robert W. Lawless passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of progress for the physical campus as well as the university’s academic and athletic reputation. He was 87.
Lawless led the university from May 1, 1996, to June 1, 2004.
“President Emeritus Lawless left an indelible mark on our university and our city. Our hearts go out to his wife, Marcy, his entire family, and those whose lives he touched,” said President Brad Carson. “Bob Lawless’ unprecedented accomplishments set the bar for every successive UTulsa president for the past two decades. I am honored to one day be remembered in the same company as such a strong and effective leader.”
Lawless expanded the footprint west of Delaware Avenue, transforming UTulsa into a more traditional campus with a defined perimeter. State-of-the-art facilities were constructed, including:
Donald W. Reynolds Center
Mabee Legal Information Center and Boesche Legal Clinic
Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex
Michael D. Case Tennis Center
Fulton and Susie Collins Fitness Center
Hurricane soccer/track complex and intramural field
216 University Square apartment units
Additionally, the university raised its academic profile under Lawless’ administration, improving in key rankings and adding to the number of nationally competitive scholars, such as Goldwater, Truman, Marshall, Udall, National Science Foundation, and Department of Defense. The trend continues to this day.
Before arriving in Tulsa, Lawless served as president of Texas Tech University and was a faculty member at Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. He had also served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Southwest Airlines.
Former University of Tulsa President Robert W. Lawless passed away Saturday, Aug. 10, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of progress for the physical campus as well as the university’s academic and athletic reputation. He was 87.
Lawless led the university from May 1, 1996, to June 1, 2004.
“President Emeritus Lawless left an indelible mark on our university and our city. Our hearts go out to his wife, Marcy, his entire family, and those whose lives he touched,” said President Brad Carson. “Bob Lawless’ unprecedented accomplishments set the bar for every successive UTulsa president for the past two decades. I am honored to one day be remembered in the same company as such a strong and effective leader.”
Lawless expanded the footprint west of Delaware Avenue, transforming UTulsa into a more traditional campus with a defined perimeter. State-of-the-art facilities were constructed, including:
Donald W. Reynolds Center
Mabee Legal Information Center and Boesche Legal Clinic
Donna J. Hardesty Sports Complex
Michael D. Case Tennis Center
Fulton and Susie Collins Fitness Center
Hurricane soccer/track complex and intramural field
216 University Square apartment units
Additionally, the university raised its academic profile under Lawless’ administration, improving in key rankings and adding to the number of nationally competitive scholars, such as Goldwater, Truman, Marshall, Udall, National Science Foundation, and Department of Defense. The trend continues to this day.
Before arriving in Tulsa, Lawless served as president of Texas Tech University and was a faculty member at Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. He had also served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Southwest Airlines.
