Last Updated on May 22, 2026 2:43 pm
BOONE, N.C. — Dr. Harvey R. Durham, a former acting chancellor and provost at Appalachian State University, died on Friday, May 15, at the age of 88.
Durham spent nearly 40 years at the university before retiring in 2004. He served for 24 years as the university’s chief academic officer under Chancellors Dr. John E. Thomas and Dr. Francis T. Borkowski and was App State’s acting chancellor during the 2003–04 academic year. He also spent 14 years in various other roles throughout his career, including professor, department chair and associate vice chancellor.
“Dr. Harvey Durham was an extraordinary leader whose dedication to Appalachian State University helped shape the trajectory of our institution during a period of remarkable growth,” App State Chancellor Heather Norris said. “From his early days teaching mathematics to his steady leadership as provost and acting chancellor, Harvey guided App State with wisdom, humility and an unwavering commitment to our students. We honor and celebrate a tremendous legacy of leadership and service to the university, to the High Country and to the state of North Carolina.”
Durham joined the university in 1965 as an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and rose quickly through the ranks. He was named department chair in 1967, associate dean of the faculty in 1971, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1974, acting vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1979 and vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1980.
In 1981, Durham and former Chancellor John Thomas traveled to the People’s Republic of China to establish App State’s first international exchange agreement with Northeastern University, located in Shenyang, China. Dozens of international agreements have since been established. To promote App State’s interests in faculty and student exchange programs, Durham traveled to England, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Mexico and Costa Rica, in addition to his numerous trips to China.
In 1989, Durham assumed an additional title and responsibilities as provost, a position recognized as second-in-command at the university. In June 2003, Durham agreed to delay his retirement and serve as App State’s acting chancellor while the university searched for its next leader.
Durham’s legacy at the university is reflected in awards and campus landmarks bearing his name.
Durham Park — the scenic creekside park along Rivers Street — was named in 2004, in recognition of the decades of service Durham and his wife, Susan, gave to the university. The Harvey R. Durham Outstanding Freshman Advocate Award, now in its 20th year, is awarded annually to a full-time App State employee who has made significant contributions to improving the university’s first-year student experience.
In 2003, Durham received the university’s W.H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion, recognizing his commitment to enriching student life and advancing education. He was recognized by the United States Army with a special commendation, the Commander’s Award for Public Service, and with a medal for his support and advancement of App State’s ROTC unit. He was also presented with the Jack A. Branch Volunteer Award by App State’s Department of Athletics for his support of advancing the athletics program.
In 2023, Durham was inducted into the university’s Bell Ringers Society, honoring his influence on the university’s history and future.
Beyond the university, Durham was active in the local community and across the state. He served on the Watauga High School Advisory Board, the Commission on the Future of North Carolina under former UNC System President William Friday, and was appointed by former Governor Jim Hunt to the State Goals and Policy Board. He also served for many years as a trustee of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, including as chair of its board, and was a member of the foundation’s advisory board. He was also an avid sports fan and, when his children were younger, coached youth league baseball for many years.
Governor Hunt awarded Durham with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 1980. This honor is the highest bestowed upon a civilian by the state of North Carolina.
Durham was born in Perry, Florida, and spent his formative years growing up in Thomasville, Georgia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wake Forest University and a master’s and doctorate in mathematics from the University of Georgia.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons Bill ’89 ’92 and his wife, Carolyn ’91, Bryan and his wife, Carole Anne, and David ’94; and grandchildren Grace, Noah, David and Lane. Durham's sons Bill and David and daughter-in-law Carolyn are graduates of App State.
