Died Friday, September 21st, 2007 after a brief illness, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, Maine. Richard F. Rosser had a distinguished career as an educator, administrator, and expert on public policies affecting higher education, and on college and university leadership.

Born and raised in Arcanum, Ohio, Rosser attended Ohio Wesleyan University, graduating with a BA in l951. He received a Masters in Public Administration in l952 and a Ph.D. in l961, both from Syracuse University. He served in the US Air Force for 21 years, including 14 years at the Air Force Academy, with six years as Chairman of the Department of Political Science. He retired with the rank of colonel.

Dean of Faculty at Albion College from 1973 to 1977, Rosser then served as President of Depauw University between l977 and l986. From l986 to l993 he served as Chief Executive of NAICU (National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities)--an organization that lobbies on behalf of such institutions in Washington D.C. Until recently, Rosser headed The Presidents Group, a consulting group composed of retired college and university presidents. A recipient of 10 honorary degrees and other awards, Rosser authored a textbook--An Introduction to Foreign Soviet Policy--and numerous articles on education. He was also honored in being elected a lifetime member of the Board of Trustees of Ohio Wesleyan University.

Richard Rosser was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable sailor, as well as an avid photographer who exhibited his work widely and won prizes and awards. A retrospective of his work is being planned for 2008. A resident of Topsham, Maine, where he retired in 2001, Rosser was active in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, serving on the Social Justice Committee and the Search Committee to Call a New Minister.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Brightman; former wife, Donna Eyssen Rosser and their three sons Eric Rosser, Carl Rosser, and Edward Rosser; five grandchildren--Ethan, Micaela, Aaron, Ben, and Max; and his sister Marilyn Rosser Strickler. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13th, 2007 at 2pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy.