Ferrel Heady was born on February 14, 1916 in Ferrelview, Missouri. He earned all of his degrees-an AB in political science and English and an MA and PhD in political science-at the Washington University in St. Louis, completing his PhD in 1940. Prior to coming to UNM, he worked in public administration and taught political science at the University of Michigan. He served as academic vice president under President Thomas Popejoy for a year prior to his appointment as University President. Heady served as UNM President from 1968 to 1975, a time of change and turmoil that was rife with campus protests, student strikes, and controversies concerning the Vietnam War, civil rights, free speech, and other issues. Continually under pressure from both radical and conservative elements on campus and in the surrounding community, President Heady provided calm and moderate leadership for the University during these difficult years. He died on August 17, 2006 at the age of 90.
From the guide to the Ferrel Heady Papers, 1930-1980, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)
