President Emeritus of Augusta State University William A. Bloodworth Jr. never forgot a name or a face.

He wanted to know you. He wanted to learn about your background and meet your family. But most importantly, he wanted you to feel at home at Augusta University.

Bloodworth, who oversaw Augusta College’s transition to Augusta State University and served 18 years as president starting in 1993, passed away on Monday, Aug. 29 at 79.

Just before he retired as president of then Augusta State University in 2012, Bloodworth talked with Dr. Lee Ann Caldwell, a professor of history at Augusta University, about his approach to leading the university.

“I’d like to think that maybe I’ve shown that you can be a relatively effective president without being hard-nosed about things,” Bloodworth said during the 2012 interview, adding that he prefers spending time getting to know people.

“I have notes on every new faculty member every year because I want to know everyone who works here. I really wanted us to continue this sense of family that we had. I walk around campus all the time getting to know people, knowing always I’m being seen as the president, the leader.”

Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD, said this week that the entire university community is deeply saddened by the passing of Bloodworth.

“Alongside a teaching career that spanned half a century, Dr. Bloodworth was instrumental in our institution’s growth, overseeing Augusta College’s transition to a state university, developing new programs, accreditations and online class offerings, as well as spearheading over $103 million in new construction and renovations during his tenure,” Keel said. “We have him to thank for many of our Summerville Campus buildings, including Allgood and University halls, the Jaguar Student Activities Center and student art facilities, as well as our athletics golf facilities.”

“Dr. Bloodworth’s commitment to student success and accessible education sets an example for all of Jaguar Nation as we fulfill our mission to serve students not only in Augusta, but throughout the state of Georgia.”

Survivors include Bloodworth’s wife of 57 years, Julia Rankin Bloodworth; son Paul Bloodworth (Catherine); daughter Nicole Bloodworth (Dana Meyers); grandchildren Palmer, Sara Jane and Molly; and Bloodworth’s beloved King Charles spaniel, Ollie.

Love of people

Those who knew Bloodworth best have shared memories this week that have brought laughter, tears and hugs between colleagues.

Bloodworth, who became the eighth president of Augusta College, was widely admired for his teaching and leadership skills and beloved for his humility and his humanity, said Judy Cooke, his former executive assistant who began working for him in 2005.

“He was a remarkable man filled with joy,” Cooke said. “He loved people. He knew people. When new faculty would come on board, he would send them an email and he would ask them, ‘What are your career expectations? Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?’ He would get to know their family and ask about them. I mean, he did his homework because he cared about everybody he encountered.”

Bloodworth’s pride for Augusta University overflowed each day and he openly celebrated the triumphs of all staff, students and faculty.

“I can remember during our time when we went to the Elite Eight in 2008,” Cooke said, laughing. “Just before the games, he would get blue hair spray and I would spray his hair a bright blue and he’d spray mine. We were a family, and I believe that Bill Bloodworth was the reason for that close bond.”

“But he never took credit for anything. Never,” she added. “And he always rejoiced in other people’s accomplishments. When people were sending emails, he was always writing personal notes. He was just that kind of man.”