Hugh L. Mills, Long-Time Dean, Remembered for Dedication to Continuing Education

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Hugh L. Mills

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Hugh L. Mills, the dean of continuing education at the University of Arkansas for 13 years, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 7, in Fayetteville.

Mills, 93, of Fayetteville, served as dean of what is now the School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach – Global Campus from 1969 to 1982, when he retired.

"We send our condolences to the family of Dean Mills," said Donald Judges, interim vice provost for distance education and head of the Global Campus. "We're grateful for his service to the state of Arkansas and the university and, in particular, for helping to lay the foundation for today's Global Campus."

A graveside memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas. The family members request memorials be sent to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, or to any charity.

Mills was born in Marshall to Elizabeth Florence "Bess" McBride Mills and William Thomas "W.T." Mills Sr.

Mills served as an officer in the Medical Administrative Corps during World War II, and then earned a doctorate in education from the U of A. He spent many years as an educator and superintendent of schools in Monticello and Hot Springs.

In 1969, Mills became dean of what is now the Global Campus, and he served as head of the continuing education unit until he retired in 1982. During his tenure, the unit focused on administering correspondence courses from academic units, providing non-credit professional development classes, and offering programs and activities to advance arts, culture and community.

Mills was an avid baseball fan and storyteller. He spent many hours entertaining his children and grandchildren by sharing his adventures as a youth in Marshall and his knowledge of baseball statistics and random facts about the sport and its players.

Mills is survived by his wife, Don McCollum Mills, to whom he was married for 70 years. He is also survived by four children: Hugh Mills Jr. and wife, Sharyn, of Kansas City, Missouri; Nancy Jarratt and husband, Denny, of Forrest City; John Mills and wife, Carol, of Farmington; and Jim Mills and wife, Lee Anne, of Rogers.