After three decades of teaching, consulting and academic administrative experience, Dr. Marvin Yates was appointed as the vice president for student affairs in 2005. 

Although Dr. Eric Summers has since taken over this role at the university, Yates’ memory still rings on.

On Sept. 6, the Bereavement Committee sent out a notice of Yates’ death. Yates passed on Sept. 4, 2018 at the age of 74. Funeral services were held on Sept. 8 at the Hall Davis & Sons Funeral Home. 

“Dr. Yates was the kind of colleague who made coming to work fun,” said Erin Cowser, executive director of public and governmental affairs. “I can’t remember a time passing him in the hallway when he didn’t have a joke to crack and a smile on his face.”

Yates once worked for the United Negro College Fund as the vice president where he was responsible for multiple scholarship programs.

Though a native of Memphis, Tennessee, Yates gave his all to Louisiana higher education since 1962.

The Lion Nation will be mourning the loss of such a devoted soul.