Former Columbia College president passed away Wednesday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gerald Brouder, PhD, died in Columbia on Wednesday at 79 years old, according to Columbia College.

Brouder was the 16th president of Columbia College and one of the school's longest-serving presidents. He served for 18 years, during which time he played a part in starting both of Columbia College's graduate programs in 1996 and its online program in 2000.

Current Columbia College President David Russell, PhD, was chosen to lead the school by Brouder. Russell said Brouder made many significant contributions to the college.

“Dr. Brouder and I worked together for years to strengthen Missouri higher education policies designed to help students successfully complete their college degrees," Russell said. "He was highly respected by his peers in the independent college sector as a thought leader. I always found him to be a tireless advocate for students and a servant leader of the first order. Our faculty, staff and alumni loved him. We will miss him.”

A visitation is planned for Brouder at Memorial Funeral Home on Business Loop on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral will take place the following day at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Burnadette Drive at 10 a.m.