McComas retires as president at Virginia Tech

Dr. James D. McComas, who led Mississippi State from 1976-1985, announced last week that he is stepping down as the 13th leader of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, effective Jan. 1, 1994. He will return to Ohio in order to be near his family while undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer.

"I have been blessed in so many ways with a rich and diverse set of experiences with my career in higher education," McComas said. "It hasn't always been easy, but it has been highly stimulating, and I have loved my work and the people associated with it. For these reasons, I do not want anyone to feel either sympathy or pity."

While at Mississippi State, McComas spearheaded the funding drive for the Creative Arts Complex, later named McComas Hall in his honor. He also led the $32 million campaign to fund construction of the College of Veterinary Medicine facilities and a $4 million drive for the addition to the School of Architecture.

"He is highly admired in higher education for his work here, at the University of Toledo, and at Virginia Tech," said President Donald Zacharias.

McComas left Mississippi State in 1985 to assume the presidency of the University of Toledo, and in 1988 moved to Virginia Tech.