NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University mourns the loss of its longest-serving president, Dr. Dean Hubbard, who passed away at his Kansas City home on Sunday evening at the age of 85 after battling kidney disease. Hubbard's tenure from 1984 to 2009 marked a period of significant growth and achievement for the institution.

In tribute to Hubbard, current Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum announced that U.S. and Missouri flags would be flown at half-staff on campus from March 25 until April 4. "Jill and I extend our deepest sympathy to Aleta and the Hubbard family on the passing of Dr. Dean Hubbard, Northwest’s ninth president," Tatum stated. "His 25 years of dedicated service to this institution were extraordinary, and his contributions to Northwest set the foundation for many of today’s accomplishments."

Hubbard's leadership was pivotal in earning national recognition for Northwest's "Culture of Quality" initiative, which won the Missouri Quality Award four times under his guidance. He also played a crucial role in establishing Northwest as the first comprehensive "electronic campus" in the United States by networking computers across residence halls and faculty offices.

A first-generation college graduate himself, Hubbard was committed to making higher education accessible through programs like the American Dream Grant, now known as the Northwest Promise. His vision extended into initiatives such as alternative fuels programs and significant infrastructure expansions on campus.

Dr. Dean L. Hubbard held various degrees including a Ph.D. from Stanford University and had extensive international experience in education across Asia, Europe, and Central America before joining Northwest Missouri State University.

He is survived by his wife Aleta; children Melody Messner (Andrew Morse), D. Paul J. (Barbara) Hubbard, Joy Crimmins; and grandchildren Charlie (Nhi) Lowe, Jake Hubbard, Taylor Crimmins, Alexa Crimmins, Calum (Jocelyn) Hubbard, and Aiden Crimmins.