The Passing of President James Gardner
Former Lewis & Clark President James A. Gardner passed away at home with family on May 23, 2026. Funeral services will be held on June 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland.
“It’s clear that President Gardner made a lasting impact during his time at Lewis & Clark,” said President Robin Holmes-Sullivan. “In addition to his loving family and numerous professional accomplishments, he leaves behind a legacy that includes the expansion of international relations and cross-cultural exchange; a campus culture of transparency and accountability and a commitment to academic excellence—hallmarks of a Lewis & Clark education that we continue to build on to this day.”
A Harvard and Yale graduate with an early career in Latin American policy, Gardner was also a historian focusing on Oregon history. As President of Lewis & Clark (1981-89), he recruited an internationally renowned board of scholars and heavily expanded the college’s focus on global exchange during the Cold War. He advocated for student-centered reforms, including supporting the college’s first formal systems for student-led faculty evaluations.
“Jim was a true Renaissance person. I’m lucky to have known him.”
- Jay Waldron, longtime friend, senior environmental and energy litigator at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and a member of Lewis & Clark’s Board of Trustees since 2010.
Read Gardner’s full obituary.
Accomplishments During Gardner’s Presidency
1981
James A. Gardner becomes Lewis & Clark’s 21st president.
The college issues the first Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree; by 1983, master of science degrees were also offered.
1982
College adopts new student governance model, which includes the Student Academic Affairs Board. SAAB’s responsibilities include helping formulate student policy on academic issues and granting funds for student-motivated research.
1984
College consolidates postgraduate programs in education, counseling psychology, and public administration into the Graduate School of Professional Studies.
View more photos of Gardner in the college archives.
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