(LAS CRUCES) -- Dr. Gerald Thomas was president of NMSU for more than a decade.
"He was a man that walked around the campus quite frequently...over time became a good friend of Dr. Thomas."
In 1970, New Mexico state's current president, Dr. Garrey Carruthers was a young college professor the day Dr. Thomas was inaugurated.
That president, who saw NMSU through the 1970's and into the 80's, seems to be remembered for his quiet strength more than anything.
Carruthers calls him an "academic statesman."
"Kind of unassuming guy...best president New Mexico state has ever had.... certainly in my lifetime."
Gerald Thomas last sat down with KRWG on a show called "Aggie Almanac." This was back in 2009. Fred Martino is interviewing Dr. Thomas here.
"Education is the key to world peace eventually...we've got to look forward to the time when people can live together without conflicts and wars and education should provide people with the opportunity to discuss their differences without fighting.... education is more important as time goes on...both in terms of the economic development and the political stability," said Dr. Thomas.
Sloan Patton reported.
