John D. Wilson, former W&L president, dies at 81

LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) — Former Washington & Lee University President John Delane Wilson has died. He was 81.

The university said Sunday in a news release that Wilson died Saturday in Lexington.

Wilson served as president from 1983 to 1995. In 1984, Washington & Lee decided to become a coeducational institution and Wilson led the university during the transition.

The university says its endowment doubled and it executed a successful $147 million capital campaign during Wilson's tenure. Other accomplishments included the opening of the Lenfest Center for the Performing Arts and the renovation of 15 fraternity houses.

A private service will be held Monday for the family. A public memorial service will be scheduled later.