Dr. Wayland DeWitt, former president of Northeast Texas Community College, passed away at his home in Palm Desert, California on September 8, 2020 at the age of 85.
DeWitt was the first President of NTCC and oversaw the building of the college from the ground up. He was named the “most effective college administrator in the United States” in 1986. According to the recent book Miracle on FM 1735 by Dr. Jerry Wesson, which details the history of NTCC, DeWitt’s philosophy was to hire great people, not micromanage them, expect results and to treat every individual with respect and dignity. He is remembered fondly by faculty and staff who worked under his leadership. DeWitt served as NTCC’s president until 1988. He made his home in Pittsburg during his years in Northeast Texas.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Western New Mexico University, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Central Missouri State University, a Doctorate of Education from the University of Wyoming and a post-doctoral degree in Administration from Harvard University.
Prior to coming to NTCC, DeWitt taught Medical School in Bogota, Columbia, worked as a therapist, and became Dean of Students at Walla Walla Community College in Washington, where he supported education and vocational training for the community. He went on to become vice president and then president of Walla Walla Community College.
He is survived by his daughter, Liysa (Rick) Swart, numerous grandchildren, two brothers, a sister and many beloved friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions to establish the Wayland DeWitt Memorial Reading Room at the Lotus Island Oasis Trauma Recovery Center (www.lotusislandoasis.org). Anecdotes and memories are being compiled into “The Book of Wayland” and submissions can be sent to liysaswart@rocketmail.com.
