James E. Cheek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James E. Cheek
Cheek with Ronald Reagan in 1981
Born	James Edward Cheek (1932-12-04)December 4, 1932 Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, U.S.
Died	January 8, 2010(2010-01-08) (aged 77) Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Education	Shaw University, 1955 (BA) Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1958 (M.Div.) Drew University, 1962 (Ph.D.)
Occupation	educator, scholar, theologian, public speaker, humanitarian
Years active	1958–2010
Spouse(s)	Celestine (m. 1958)
Children	2
Awards	Presidential Medal of Freedom

James Edward Cheek (December 4, 1932 – January 8, 2010) was president emeritus of Howard University. He was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

Howard University President (1968–1989)

In 1989, Cheek appointed Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater as a member of the Howard University Board of Trustees. Students rose up in protest against Atwater's appointment, disrupting Howard's 122nd anniversary celebrations, and eventually occupied the university's administration building. Within days, both Atwater and Cheek resigned.

Personal life

Cheek was married to the former Celestine Williams, and had two children. He died on January 8, 2010, from complications of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.