Morris Keeton (original) (raw)

Former Yellow Springs resident Morris T. Keeton passed away at home in his sleep on April 10 at the age of 97.

Morris and his wife Ruth moved to Yellow Springs in 1947, when Morris began his 30-year tenure with Antioch College. Over the next three decades, he served as pastor, professor of philosophy and religion, dean of faculty, provost, vice president and acting president.

In 1969, Morris and Ruth moved to the just emerging city of Columbia, Md., where Morris spearheaded a new offshoot of Antioch. It was in Columbia that Morris founded the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) which is currently celebrating its 40th year. He served as CAEL’s president until passing on the reins in 1989.

While lovingly taking care of Ruth through her ordeal with Alzheimer’s, Morris became director of the Institute for Research and Assessment in Higher Education at the University of Maryland University College, primarily working from home well into his 80s.

Morris spent his final eight years living with Scot and Sandy Keeton in Mount Airy, Md. and then Greensboro, N.C., surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Morris had a rare mix of extraordinary intellect, tireless work ethic, great compassion, humility and the highest integrity. After his extraordinary and varied careers in higher education, when asked, he simply referred to himself as a teacher.

A memorial celebration is planned for July 13 in Greensboro. For more information, call Scot at 410-802-8980.