by Jeremy Hunt
Daily Lobo
Viola Florez, dean of the College of Education, said that when Chester Travelstead was dean, he would do anything to improve the college, even if it meant getting on his hands and knees to clean a mess.
"He was a role model for many people as faculty member and also an administrator," she said. "He displayed leadership and loyalty to the University and College of Education."
Travelstead died of natural causes on Dec. 27. He was 95.
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Travelstead was dean of the College of Education from 1956 to 1968 and was vice president of academic affairs from 1968 to 1976. In 1976, he became UNM's first provost. He retired the
next year.
During his time at UNM, Travelstead created the first accredited doctoral program at the College of Education, established the first partnerships with Albuquerque Public Schools and implemented the first entrance exam required for undergraduate students applying to
the college.
Travelstead worked to get a building for the college, because it was located in Hodgin Hall, which was in need of renovation. In 1963, an eight-building complex - the first to deviate from the traditional adobe style - became the new home of
the college.
Travelstead Hall, the administrative building of the college, was dedicated to him in 2003. The college successfully campaigned to establish the Chester C. Travelstead Distinguished Faculty Fellowship, an award given to faculty members who demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and loyalty.
Travelstead came to UNM in 1956 from the University of South Carolina, where he was fired after making a speech in which he supported racial
integration.
Karen Glaser, former dean of students, said Travelstead supported a women's studies program and center at UNM.
"Not everybody - certainly not all men at that point - were being supportive of the women's movement," she said. "He often talked about the fact that he was glad he was at a University that was multicultural."
Coleman Travelstead, Chester Travelstead's son, said his
father believed that all people are equal, and his life and actions demonstrated that belief.
"He was supportive of everybody's rights. He was a person that said, 'You get where you're going on your merits,'" he said. "He was always trying to do the right thing. I think he achieved that most of the time."
John Perovich, president of UNM from 1982 to 1984 and a colleague of Chester Travelstead, said the first provost wasn't afraid to speak his mind, even if people didn't want to hear it.
"He was just a person that wanted to do the right thing, regardless of whether it was popular or not," he said. "I don't think you can have a university without a person like that or those types of ideals."
Coleman Travelstead said Chester Travelstead's mother, Nelle Gooch, taught him the values that shaped him into the man who would be known for his honesty and fairness.
"It's rare that one can say one's father is your personal hero. But I think in my case, it was true," he said. "The integrity that he instilled in my brother and me and the integrity that he dealt with other people was rare."
