CGU mourns the loss of alumnus, former Professor Richard Moore

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is mourning the loss of Richard Moore, alumnus and longtime supporter of the university, who died last month at age 82.

Moore earned his PhD in economics from CGU in 1965, but that was only the beginning of his relationship with the university.

He went on to serve as a key member of the School of Educational Studies’ board of visitors, taught popular courses on higher education administration, and represented alumni on the university’s board of trustees.

Moore’s influence on higher education also extended far beyond CGU.

From 1974 to 1994, he served as president of Santa Monica College, where he oversaw enormous enrollment growth. Moore resolved that the college would deliver on the promise to prepare students for transfer to university study; during his presidency, Santa Monica College became the leading community college in the state in transferring students to UCLA and the CSU and UC systems. He brought a failing FM radio station to SMC, where KCRW then grew to become the flagship station of National Public Radio.

“Richard was one of the most creative and effective college presidents in the nation,” said School of Educational Studies professor David Drew, a close friend and colleague of Moore. “He will be greatly missed.

Moore left Santa Monica to serve as president of the College of Southern Nevada, where he again led rapid and enormous enrollment growth, making college possible for many students from limited economic backgrounds.

He later was selected as the founding president of Nevada State College, a four-year public institution in Henderson. He provided a vision, led the planning and development phase, and secured funding, despite fierce political opposition to the college.

The college now is a thriving and growing institution. According to Drew, who worked with him on this project, “Had anyone else but Richard Moore been the founding president, I doubt very much that Nevada State College would exist today.”

Moore is survived by his wife, five daughters, a son, and five grandchildren.