MIT's former president, Charles M. Vest, has passed away at the age of 72.
Charles M. Vest, who served as MIT's 15th president from 1990 to 2004, made significant contributions to the institution during his tenure.
Vest, who died last night at the age of 72 from pancreatic cancer, began his career in academic administration in 1981 when he became Michigan's associate dean of engineering. He joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1968 and became a full professor in 1977.
During his presidency at MIT, Vest oversaw the construction of several notable buildings, including the Ray and Maria Stata Center, Simmons Hall, the Albert and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center, Building 46, and the Media Arts and Sciences building. One-quarter of MIT's square footage was constructed during his tenure.
Vest emphasized the importance of advancing cutting-edge research at MIT, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and expanding MIT's role in global technology and innovation. His leadership helped enhance MIT's reputation as a world leader in scientific and engineering research.
In the area of education, Vest sought to improve both undergraduate and graduate education, promoting educational innovation and integrating research with teaching. He focused on maintaining high academic standards while also adapting curricula to evolving technological and societal needs. During his presidency, campus innovations included the introduction of cellular and molecular biology as a core requirement for all undergraduates, the establishment of the MacVicar Faculty Fellows Program, the creation of a five-year combined Bachelor/Master of Engineering program, a restructured housing policy, and the construction of three new student residences.
Under Vest's presidency, MIT made efforts to increase diversity among its students, faculty, and staff, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable community. His administration recognized the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and excellence in education and research.
Vest played a key role in expanding MIT’s global partnerships and collaborations, which included academic exchanges, research partnerships, and involvement in international initiatives such as his trusteeship at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. This fostered MIT’s influence and impact worldwide.
Vest was a staunch supporter and champion of MIT OpenCourseWare, an initiative that made all of MIT's course materials available online for free. He became a regular presence in Washington, championing research, science, and innovative partnerships among universities, government, and industry.
The revitalization of Vassar Street during Vest's presidency included new trees, lighting, bicycle lanes, and paving, breathing new life into a previously grim and rundown area of Cambridge.
Vest's tenure as MIT's president ended in 2004, and he wrote about feeling astonished at the path that led him there. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his daughter and son-in-law, Kemper Vest Gay and John Gay, his son and daughter-in-law, John and Christina Vest, and his grandchildren Mary and Robert Gay and Ameri and Charles Vest.
