Former Westminster College President Dr. Earland I. Carlson Passes Away

Former Westminster College President Dr. Earland I. Carlson passed away June 24.

"Dr. Carlson led Westminster College for 14 years, establishing a reputation as a leader who was popular with students and alumni alike," said Westminster College President R. Thomas Williamson. "In this our 150th year at Westminster, we are grateful for his many good works. He and Mrs. Carlson have left a lasting positive impression upon this fine institution."

Carlson, who was Westminster's 10th president, served as President from 1967-1981. During his tenure, he initiated Westminster's most ambitious capital campaign of its history, the 125 Fund, which resulted in the Hoyt Science Resources Center. Carlson was the first president of Westminster College who was not a minister, and led the college in a new direction.

"He really represented a turning point for the College," said Dr. Frederick Horn, professor emeritus of English at Westminster. "He was careful about improving the credentials of incoming faculty."

Carlson earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and his master's and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. A retired major in the Air Force Reserve, Carlson served in World War II as a bombardier-navigator, and was recalled to active duty in the Korean War, where he served as a flight instructor. His academic career began as a instructor at North Park College in Chicago, continued as a faculty member and then dean in Colorado College, and finally as vice president at Millikin University in Illinois before coming to Westminster.

Westminster College alumni and friends are invited to attend the celebration of his life, Sunday, June 30, at 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park.

Carlson was survived by his wife, Ethel Taylor Carlson, his daughter Nancy C. Chiles of Cranberry, and two grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Library Fund at Westminster College or the Memorial Park Presbyterian Church.

More Stories