Freddie T. Vaughns, a Bowie State University faculty member recently honored by the White House as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Champion of Change, is being mourned after suffering a fatal heart attack on July 4.
Vaughns, 65, served as assistant vice president for academic affairs, assistant professor of child and adolescent studies, and faculty athletic representative, the school said in announcing his death.
As assistant vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Vaughns worked closely with the provost on student concerns ranging from academic difficulties to retention and graduation efforts, the school said. He was also tenured faculty in the child and adolescent studies program.
Many first-time students know Vaughns as the head of the Bulldog Academy, a summer program for incoming freshmen that is designed to ease their transition into college.
In March, Vaughns was one of 11 HBCU administrators and faculty honored at the White House for their work promoting academic excellence and post-graduation success.
University President Mickey L. Burnim said Vaughns would be deeply missed.
“He worked tirelessly to promote student success and graduation,” Burnim said. “He always demonstrated his passion for his work in his interactions with all members of the university community.”
The Central Intercollegiate Athletics Association (CIAA) also released a statement.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of one of our CIAA family members, Dr. Freddie Vaughns,” the statement read. “Dr. Vaughns’ extensive work and commitment to support the Conference, his passion for students, his sense of humor and his love of the CIAA will be missed and can never be replaced. Our prayers are in abundance for the Vaughns and Bowie State University family.”
Funeral arrangements were incomplete at the time of this posting.
