A former University of Texas Permian Basin president, Duane Leach, died Sept. 3. He was 86.
Leach, who was living in Irving, was president of UT Permian Basin from 1983-1991, but remained at the university until 2003 as the first executive director of the John Ben Shepperd Leadership Institute and a history professor.
“We are sad to learn of the passing of President Leach,” UTPB President Sandra Woodley said in a news release. “His vision and energy contributed to a solid foundation for UTPB that continues to be part of our success today. He will be missed by the entire Falcon family.”
During Leach’s tenure, the university became a four-year institution. Previously, it was just for upperclassmen, and the Center for Energy and Economic Diversification (CEED) was established.
In 2010, Leach was awarded emeritus status by UTPB.
For more than 40 years Leach served as a trustee for The Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation. Family members ask for donations to be made to the conservation in his name for anyone interested. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, no services are planned at this time.
Former UTPB President David Watts said Leach was the founding executive director of the JBS Institute for the first three or four years that Watts served at the university.
“He was extraordinarily articulate, careful and engaging,” Watts said.
Watts said he attended a public event his first year as president in 2001 where Leach was the keynote speaker. He said it was five or six years after Leach’s departure from the presidency.
“I think so many people admired and appreciated this thoughtful, articulate analysis of the area and its potential. As the leader of the JBS Institute, he led a statewide effort to challenge young professionals in … identifying and developing plans for community improvement all over the state. Some of the staff of the Institute would travel all over the state and conduct workshops and helping communities to develop indigenous leadership,” Watts said.
“He was a tremendous asset to the university,” he added.
Among Leach’s achievements as president was getting UTPB put back into the state budget, literally saving it, Watts said, and legislation authorizing four-year status for the university.
Watts added that Leach was always collegial and helpful, allowing the new president to lead.
“He didn’t try to impose his own agenda. He just offered suggestions, advice and support,” Watts added.
