Bill Lee Atchley was born February 16, 1932, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He earned degrees from the University of Missouri at Rolla, and the doctorate from Texas A&M. Atchley returned to the University of Missouri to teach civil engineering and later served as Associate Dean of the College of Engineering. In 1975 he went to West Virginia University as Dean of the College of Engineering. In 1978, Atchley interviewed for the presidency of Clemson University; was selected in February 1979, and inaugurated in April 1980. Atchley brought about a number of changes such as encouraging faculty and students in the University's governance; the reorganization of University administration and the creation of the Calhoun Honors College. His attempt to reorganize the Athletic Department after an investigation by the National Collegiate Athletic Associate in 1982 was met with opposition. The conflict between the Trustees and President Atchley culminated in his resignation on March 1, 1985. After leaving Clemson University, Atchley served as President of the National Science Center for Communications and Electronics Education Foundation. In July 1987 he assumed the presidency of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California and served there until his retirement in 1995. In retirement, Dr. Atchley returned to South Carolina, living with his wife Pat Atchley at Murrells Inlet. He died of a heart attack on February 18, 2000.
From the description of Bill Lee Atchley presidential records, 1974-1985 (bulk 1982-1984) (Clemson University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 213449255
