July 1981 - June 1986
Education
B.A., University of Missouri, 1963
M.S., University of North Carolina, 1967
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1971
Landmarks Erected
- International House (purchased), 1984
- Performing Arts and Radio/Television Center, 1985
- Washington-Grizzly Stadium, 1986
Programs Established
- Arts and Sciences Honors Program
- Degree programs in Public Administration and Creative Writing
- Courses in Film and Telecommunications
Accomplishments as President
Bucklew spent much of his administration revising academic programs and reforming administrative processes. One of his finest achievements created a formal honors program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Another important development finished the PAR-TV building, planned under the previous administration. He enlarged UM's academic horizon to include more courses in expressive arts and new technologies. Bucklew took pride in the University's athletic teams and fostered a greater sense of school spirit and unity on the UM campus. Bucklew also worked extensively to improve relations between faculty members, departments, and administrative offices.
Background History
Neil S. Bucklew became an administrator at Duke University in 1963. He later assumed several educational positions, including Vice President for Administration and Provost at Central Michigan University. He also served on three national boards on management and collective bargaining and as a consultant on academic administration to six universities. Preceding his UM presidency, Bucklew was Provost of Ohio State University from 1976 to 1981.
Following the Presidency
Bucklew accepted the position of President at West Virginia University. After serving for nearly a decade, he left the position to become director of the West Virginia University Faculty Mediation Program. Bucklew currently is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and lives in his hometown of Morgantown, West Virginia. He also continues to teach at WVU.