Lloyd I. Watkins, 83, of Bloomington, Ill., president emeritus of Illinois State University, died Thursday, March 1, 2012, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

Per Lloyd's wishes cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service was held Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Normal, Ill., with the Rev. John Mcintosh officiating.

Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington handled the arrangements.

Lloyd was born Aug. 29, 1928, in Cape Girardeau, the only child of Herman and Lydia Watkins. He married Mary Ellen Caudle on Aug. 14, 1949. She died Aug. 6, 2008. He married Kay Ann Bloomquist on Sept. 11, 2009.

Survivors include his wife, Kay; three sons, John L. Watkins (Margaret) of Atlanta, Joseph W. Watkins (Michelle) of Tucson, Ariz., Robert L. Watkins (Charmelle) of Bloomington; six grandchildren, Ryan, Reid and Mariana Watkins of Bloomington, Lucas, Ehren and Emma Watkins of Tucson; three stepchildren, Eric D. Bloomquist of Bloomington, Darin L. Bloomquist of London, Ellen K. Elliot of Normal; and a stepgranddaughter, Faith A. Elliot of Normal.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lloyd was educated in the public schools of Cape Girardeau, and received a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1949. After a stint of high school teaching, he pursued graduate degrees in speech from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a master of science in 1951 and a doctorate in 1954.

He dedicated his professional life to higher education, first teaching at Moorhead State College (Minn.), and then teaching and becoming an administrator at Ohio University (1956 to 1966). He served as executive vice president of Idaho State University (1966 to 1969); president of Iowa Association of Private Colleges and Universities (1969 to 1973) and president of West Texas State University (1973 to 1977). In 1977 Lloyd was named president of Illinois State University, a position he held until 1988. He was a professor in the ISU School of Communication from 1989 to 1991.

During Lloyd's tenure at ISU, he strengthened academic standards for admission, laying a strong foundation for ISU's future. He established the Presidential Scholars Program, which encouraged the enrollment of promising minority students. He helped expand international study opportunities for ISU students. He also secured funding for the renovation of Cook Hall for the Music Department. Under Lloyd's leadership the planning, funding and construction of Redbird Arena was accomplished.

Lloyd served on the board of directors of the American Association of State College and University Presidents (1983 to 1985) and was chairman of the North American Council of the International Association of University Presidents (1985 to 1987). He was a member of the American Council on Education's Commission on the Status of Women in Higher Education and served as chairman of the President's Council of the Missouri Valley Conference (1987 to 1988). He received honorary degrees from the University of Dubuque (1974) and Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok (1986).

Active in his community, Lloyd was a member of First United Methodist Church in Normal. He served on the boards of McLean County Historical Society, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Baby Fold, Bloomington Township Public Water District, ISU's Friends of the Arts and Champion Federal Savings and Loan. He was active in the ISU Annuitant's Association and the College Alumni Club, serving terms as president of both organizations. He also was in the Service Corps of Retired Executives.

Lloyd was very blessed. Mary was his college sweetheart, and they enjoyed a 60-year partnership filled with raising a family, walking, traveling, reading and golf. He then had a wonderful marriage to Kay, who filled his last years with good conversation, dining out, joy and laughter. Lloyd was extremely proud of and loved all the members of his family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. John Migas for all he did for Lloyd.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Illinois State University Foundation, dedicated to the Lloyd and Mary Watkins Scholarship Fund; to McLean County Historical Society; or the Humane Society of Central Illinois.