Popular Former ECSU President Charles Webb Dies At 101

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Charles Webb, who led the transition of Eastern Connecticut State College to Eastern Connecticut State University as well as the institution's first building boom as its president, has died.

Webb, who was Eastern's President from 1970 to 1988, died Oct. 8, four days after turning 101, university officials said in a letter to alumni distributed Thursday.

Webb was graduate of the University of California–Berkeley and also held master's and doctoral degrees from Harvard. Prior to coming to Eastern, he was the chairman of the History Department at San Diego State.

During Webb's tenure, the school obtained university status for the 1981-82 academic year and Eastern's population jumped from less than 1,000 students to 4,000. He also oversaw the construction of nine buildings on the North Campus — the original J. Eugene Smith Library (now Wood Support Services), along with five new residence halls, Geissler Gymnasium, the Student Center and the Wickware Planetarium.

In 1992, Webb Hall was named after him.

Charles Webb (ECSU)

Webb oversaw in the creation of new majors in Environmental Earth Science, Communications and Computer Science. During his administration the college also reorganized into three distinct schools — Arts and Sciences; Education and Professional Studies; and Continuing Education.

Webb was not shy about his supporter of NCAA Division III athletics. His administration expanded Eastern's intercollegiate program four teams (all for men) to 11, including six for women. One of his first initiatives was launching construction of the $2.7 million Sports Center in February 1971. A national softball championship in 1981 was the beginning of nine national Division III championships in baseball and softball.

Webb was a fixture when it came to campus culture. His musical group, "The Grooves of Academe," often played at campus events and featured Professor Kenneth Parzych on drums, Professor Ed Drew on bass and President Webb himself on vibraphone.

Webb was also known for his "open door" office hours at the library.

Anyone wishing to make a gift in Webb's honor may donate to the Andree and C.R. Webb Scholarship created in 2002 for students with financial need. Gifts by credit card can be made on the ECSU Foundation website and checks should be made out to the ECSU Foundation and sent to the Development Office, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT, 06226.