DURHAM, N.C. — North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is saddened by the passing of Chancellor Emeritus Dr. LeRoy T. Walker today, April 23, at the age of 93.
Walker was the first black president of the United States Olympic Committee. He began coaching at the North Carolina College for Negroes in 1945 and coached more than 100 All-Americans. Walker also served NCCU as chairman of the Department of Physical Education and Recreation and vice chancellor for university relations. He was the United States’ head track and field coach at the 1976 Olympic games and was a key administrator in the early years of the U.S. Peace Corps. Walker served as chancellor for the university from 1983-1986. The UNC Board of Governors conferred the titles of permanent chancellor and chancellor emeritus following his tenure as chancellor. He was a member of 17 Halls of Fame, including NCCU’s Alex Rivera Hall of Fame. The LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education and Recreation Complex on the campus of NCCU is named in his honor.
“Chancellor Emeritus Walker was an accomplished figure in athletics and a treasured leader who will be greatly missed,” said Charlie Nelms, chancellor of NCCU. “He leaves a rich legacy that will continue to live on at NCCU. Our entire university community will keep his daughter, Dr. Carolyn Walker Hopp, and son, LeRoy T. Walker Jr., along with the rest of family in our thoughts and prayers.”
He is preceded in death by his wife, Katherine.
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NCCU's LeRoy Walker dies at 93" (
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WRAL: "
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The News & Observer: "
Former NCCU chancellor, USOC head LeRoy Walker dies at 93" (
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Legendary Coach Dr. LeRoy Walker Passes Away at 93"
The Herald-Sun: "
'Doc' Walker remembered by athletes as motivational leader" (
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The News & Observer: "
Tudor: LeRoy Walker an international icon with strong sense of home"
