4/18//2011

Auburn College of Ag Alum, Benefactor E.T. York Dies

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — E.T. York, chancellor emeritus of the State University System of Florida, passed away Friday, April 15, 2011, in Gainesville. He was 88.

Both York and his widow, the former Vam Cardwell, are native Alabamians—from Mentone, Ala., and Evergreen, Ala., respectively—and are Auburn University alumni.

York earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science in 1942 from what was then Alabama Polytechnic Institute and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a field artillery officer. After World War II, he returned to Auburn where, in 1946, he completed his master’s in soil science. He received his Ph.D. from Cornell University.

In 1959, York was named director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and held that position until 1961, when he went to Washington, D.C., to serve as administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Extension Service.

Two years later, he accepted a job with the University of Florida as provost for agriculture but then proceeded to move through the university’s ranks to the positions of vice president for agriculture and natural resources, executive vice president and interim president of the University of Florida. He was named chancellor of the State University System of Florida in 1975 and held that post until 1980 when, at the age of 58, he took an early retirement to dedicate himself to improving agricultural resources in developing countries in the fight against global hunger.

Through the years, the Yorks committed more than $1 million to Auburn University, including a $300,000 planned gift to the College of Business, of which Mrs. York is a graduate; more than $600,000 to the E.T. and Vam York Endowed Fund for Excellence in International Agriculture, designed to support global experiences for faculty and graduate students; and $150,000-plus to an endowment establishing the E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer Series.

In addition to Vam, his wife of 64 years, York is survived by son Travis York of Ormond Beach, daughter Lisa York of Jacksonville, nephew Guy York and wife Martha of Gainesville, two grand-nephews and one grand-niece.

Honoring his request, York’s internment will be a private, family event. A public memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, with Milam Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville; Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville; or any charity of choice.

# # #

OFFICE OF AG COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 COMER HALL, AUBURN UNIVERSITY
AUBURN, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)
AgComm@auburn.edu