In Memoriam
Dr. Margaret Preska (1938 – 2021)
Dr. Preska served as the University’s 10th president from 1979–1992. She was the second woman to lead the institution and is remembered for completing the move from lower to upper campus, overseeing the construction of new academic buildings and campus additions, and ushering in an era of unprecedented enrollment growth. During her time as president, student enrollment grew 43 percent, from 9,500 to 16,500.
She is also remembered for her commitment to putting students first. “Part of my intention always was to remember that the students are the center of what we do at the university,” she once said.
According to information provided by University Archives, Preska had a profound impact on the University during her 14 years as president.
