NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Edward William Graham, who served as vice president of Academic Affairs and an academic dean four times at Northwestern State University, died March 25, 2022.

Graham joined the Northwestern State faculty as chairman of the Department of Chemistry and Physics in 1974 and throughout his tenure at Northwestern State served as dean of the College of Science and Technology, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, dean of Graduate Studies and Research, dean of instruction, vice president for Academic Affairs and faculty senate president. He retired in June 2010 and was named a Dean Emeritus in 2011.

During his years as an administrator, Graham developed a means for evaluating teacher performance at the university and was praised for many administrative accomplishments.

Graham was born to Cecil and Lise Graham of Natchitoches Oct. 24, 1937 and was a graduate of Natchitoches High School.  He earned degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of California-Berkeley. His 53-year professional career was dedicated to scientific research and higher education.

In addition to NSU, Graham held faculty positions at Clarkson College of Technology and University of California (Los Angeles). During his 36 years at NSU, he served as chemistry and physics department chair, held several dean positions and was the vice president of academic affairs. He received many honors and distinguished teaching awards from UCLA and Phi Lambda Upsilon. He volunteered his time as a board and committee member, evaluator and served on educational task forces and his passion for science was evident in his teaching, research and grant funding.

Graham is survived by his wife Marsha Bella Zulick; daughters, Rebecca Graham of Savannah, Georgia, and Deborah Graham Zaheer (Saqib) of San Francisco, California; sister, Cecilia Graham Possoit (Johnny) of Natchitoches; brother, Stuart Graham (Barbara) of Austin, Texas; his children by marriage, Kristen Zulick Dulin (Brian) and Richard Zulick (Denise) of Dallas; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.