President Emeritus Dr. Jerry Morris died Dec. 11, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service for Morris was held Jan. 10, at First United Methodist Church of Commerce.
“I worked for President Emeritus Jerry D. Morris for sixteen years, and he and his wife, Marilyn, have continued to be an important part of my life. Dr. Morris was a great leader, and he worked tirelessly for the betterment of this university.His theme throughout his presidency was ‘Developing Talent,’ and he had a unique ability to make every person he came in contact with feel special.
“He truly looked for the good in everyone, and that, combined with his wonderful sense of humor, endeared him to all who knew him. He was an exceptional man who loved this university dearly,” Administrative Assistant to the President, Linda King said.
Morris was the ninth president of Texas A&M University-Commerce and served from 1987 to 1997. He held other positions including, dean of admissions and records, graduate school and vice president for academic affairs. He came to East Texas State University in 1970 as director of placement.
Morris spearheaded the drive for ETSU to become a member of The Texas A&M University System, a dream that was realized in 1996 when the university joined the A&M System in 1996.
In a 2002 interview in Pride Magazine, Morris commented on his tenure.
“I believe the ‘best’ thing accomplished during my time in the presidential role was the merger into the Texas A&M University System. I saw the affiliation then, and do today, as insurance of our permanency as a university in the State of Texas.
“The need of an attitude adjustment, and not the kind that alcohol induces, but the kind that emanates from pride in what we had done, were doing and would do,” Morris said.
According to a university press release, Morris and his wife, Marilyn, were active in the Commerce community and civic activities.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Lions Club, and Commerce Economic Development Corporation.
In 1977, he received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Commerce Chamber of Commerce and was named Commerce Employer of the Year by the Rotary Club in 1993.
Morris also was presented with both the Chamber of Commerce Visionary Award in 1997 as well as the Distinguished Citizen Award of the Boy Scouts of America, NorthEast Texas SouthEast Oklahoma Trails Council.
He is survived by his wife; four children, Joseph, Neil, Laura, and Kara; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.