Dr. Donald Stanton

Dr. Donald Stanton, President of Adrian College from 1978 to 1988, died October 30, 2019, at the age of 87. Dr. Stanton served as President of Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, from 1988 until 1999, becoming President Emeritus. A resident of Lake Junaluska, N.C., he was called out of retirement in 2005 and 2006, serving as interim president at Haywood Community College. Dr. Stanton was an ordained United Methodist Minister and a retired member of the Western North Carolina Conference. He holds degrees from Western Maryland College, Wesley Theological Seminary, The American University, and the University of Virginia where he earned his doctorate. He has been awarded honorary doctorates by Columbia College, McDaniel College, Albion College, and Oglethorpe University. During his time at Adrian College, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center. The administration building on the Adrian College campus was named for Dr. Stanton and his wife, Barbara. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Barbie, twin daughters, a son, a sister and three grandchildren.