Long-serving ex-president of UM ‘Tad’ Foote dies

Edward Thaddeus ‘Tad’ Foote II, who transformed the University of Miami from Suntan U into an academically rigorous university with a growing national reputation during his 20-year tenure as president, died Monday night, University of Miami officials announced. He was 78.

He died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease, his daughter Julia Foote LeStage said Monday night, adding he died peacefully at East Ridge nursing facility in Cutler Bay.

“This is a sad day, but also a day of celebration for an extraordinary life,” she said.

Professional: Reporter, Washington Star, 1963-64; Washington Daily News, 1964-65; associate, Bryan, Cave, McPheeters & McRoberts, St. Louis, 1966-70; vice chancellor, general counsel, Washington University, 1970-75; Dean, School of Law, Washington University, 1973-1980; special advisor to chancellor and board of trustees, 1980-81, Washington; president, University of Miami, 1981- present.

Attribution: Joan Chrissos, Susan Miller Degnan and Rory Clarke - MiamiHerald.com

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