John Brooks Slaughter

John Brooks Slaughter, the 11th president of Occidental College and a trailblazing figure in the field of engineering and education, passed away on December 6, 2023, at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. He was surrounded by his family and friends during his last moments. He was 89.

John Brooks Slaughter’s Life & Career

Born on March 16, 1934, in Topeka, Kansas, Slaughter etched his name in history as a remarkable electrical engineer, academic administrator and advocate for diversity. In his lifetime, he held several esteemed positions, but his tenure as the President of Occidental College remains one of his most significant contributions to academia.

Slaughter took charge of Occidental College in 1988 and served as its president until his retirement in 1999. Under his leadership, the college achieved ambitious diversity goals, significantly increasing the representation of students of color.

His commitment to diversity and inclusion extended beyond the college campus. He was honored by the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering in 2014 for his efforts to promote racial and ethnic diversity in the field of engineering.

Following his retirement from Occidental, Slaughter continued to contribute to the field of education and engineering. He served as a professor of engineering and education at the University of Southern California (USC) and also held the position of president and CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering6.

Slaughter’s leadership style was characterized by his quiet determination and commitment to making a difference. He advocated for smaller colleges, believing they had the potential to make a greater impact.

Those who had the privilege of working with him remember Slaughter as a dedicated, compassionate leader who continually strived for excellence. His loss is deeply felt by the Occidental College community and the academic world at large.

In addition to his professional achievements, Slaughter was a loving father and husband. He is survived by his family, who continue to uphold his legacy of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

John Brooks Slaughter’s passing is indeed a significant loss not only to his family and friends but also to the academic and engineering communities. His lifetime of accomplishments leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of American education and serves as an inspiration for future generations.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to the cause of education and diversity. His legacy will continue to inspire students, educators, and leaders for years to come.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone mourning his loss during this difficult time.

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