West Virginia University President Gordon Gee, issued the following statement on death of Gus Douglass, who served as West Virginia’s secretary of agriculture from 1965-1989 and again from 1993-2013. He was the longest serving Commissioner of Agriculture in U.S. history. Douglass, 88, died Thursday following a fall in his home:

“Gus Douglass was the agriculture commissioner during my first term as president, and I remember him fondly as someone who loved farming and loved his West Virginia roots. He is also a proud graduate of West Virginia University and a recipient of an honorary Doctor of Science degree from our University. My sincere condolences go out to his loving family.”

Dan Robison, dean of WVU’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, said:

“Commissioner Douglass was among the finest West Virginians – devoted and passionate about our state and the people who work its lands. He was generous and gracious and welcoming. His reputation as an agriculturist was nation-wide. The legacy of his service is the commitment so many others have, inspired by him, to stand the test of time and work to invigorate our agriculture sector far and wide. He was a great partner to the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, and will be missed.”

-WVU-

03/19/15

CONTACT: University Relations/News
304.293.6997

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.