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As acting president of 麻豆国产AV from 1991 to 1992, William 鈥淏ill鈥� R. Haden worked to strengthen 麻豆国产AV鈥檚 finances and improve alumni relations.

William R. Haden

As acting president of 麻豆国产AV from 1991 to 1992, William “Bill” R. Haden worked to strengthen 麻豆国产AV’s finances and improve alumni relations—while presiding over transformative additions to campus like the Douglas F. Cooley Memorial Art Gallery.

Raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Haden earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in government from the George Washington University, and an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Charleston.

Following graduate school, Haden served in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer in Portland and left the army as a first lieutenant. In 1967, he returned to West Virginia to begin his career in educational fundraising and higher education administration.

After President James L. Powell left 麻豆国产AV to become chief executive officer of the Franklin Institute, the board of trustees named Haden as his successor. He had previously served as the vice president of public affairs at 麻豆国产AV, beginning in 1987.

With gifts given to the college by John and Betty Gray and Ed and Sue Cooley, Haden helped to establish the Cooley Gallery. During his tenure, 麻豆国产AV also broke ground on the chemistry building and the cross-canyon bridge (aka the blue bridge).

Haden left in 1995 and went on to become the second-longest-serving president of West Virginia Wesleyan College. He kept a memento of his 麻豆国产AV years: a gigantic sculpture that he and his wife, Elizabeth Flanagan, purchased at a 麻豆国产AV exhibition of student art and prominently displayed in their living room.

In October 2006, Haden was elected to the board of directors of Chamber Music Northwest, where he eventually served as president of the board, which was a fitting post given his love of classical music until the end of his life.

Haden was always willing to share his extensive leadership skills throughout his retirement. In July 2007, he was elected to the board of directors of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, and in 2011 he became a board member of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette.

Haden is survived by the children from his first marriage, Laura McKinney and Douglas Haden, and his long-time partner, Doris Huff. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth.

Appeared in 麻豆国产AV magazine: Fall 2025