Retired Maj. Gen. Francis Hazard, who was Urbana University’s president for 10 years, died Monday in Mercy Memorial Hospital at the age of 88.

Originally from Gloversville, New York, Hazard spent 45 years in higher education, the last 10 as president of UU. He retired in Urbana in 2001 with his wife, Virginia, who preceded him in death.

Prior to moving to Urbana, he was dean of the Kent State University Tuscarawas campus in New Philadelphia for 18 years and dean and director of Ohio State University’s Marion campus for 12 years. His writings on higher education appeared in several publications, including “Research in Education” and “The Journal of Extension.”

Hazard became involved in the communities in which he lived and worked. He was a Rotarian for decades and, while in Urbana, was a Grimes Foundation trustee, Family Services Agency of Clark and Champaign County board member and Johnny Appleseed Foundation member.

Positions elsewhere included USAF Academy Liaison Officer, United Way director, president of the Ohio Outdoor Historical Drama Association and producer of “Trumpet in the Land.”

A fighter pilot and airlift pilot, Hazard served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 33 years.

Visitations will be held 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 10, in Vernon Funeral Home and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 11, at the Urbana Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Hazard’s obituary appears inside today’s Daily Citizen.