Remembering James T. Laney, Emory University President Emeritus

Dear Emory Community,

We write today as we mourn the death of Emory President Emeritus James T. Laney, who will be remembered as one of our university’s most transformative leaders.

An ordained United Methodist minister and scholar, President Laney came to Emory in 1969 to serve as dean of Candler School of Theology. During his tenure, he strengthened the faculty, expanded enrollment, dramatically enlarged the theology library, and introduced innovative programs in theological education and ministry. Under his leadership, Candler grew substantially in both size and national stature. 

During that time, President Laney developed a close friendship with Atlanta businessman and philanthropist Robert W. Woodruff, eventually serving as his chaplain. When the Board of Trustees named him to lead Emory in 1977, President Laney made clear that he had great plans for the university. Two years later, Robert Woodruff and his brother, George, provided what Laney called a “vote of confidence,” with a landmark gift of $105 million—the largest philanthropic investment ever made in an American university at that time.

President Laney predicted the gift would enable Emory to make “a quantum jump … to become one of the great universities of the world,” and it did. Driven by a commitment to excellence, President Laney used the gift to recruit preeminent faculty, attract outstanding students, and launch the Woodruff Scholars program, which continues to support talented students and faculty.

Soon after US President Jimmy Carter left the White House in 1981, President Laney asked him to join Emory as a University Distinguished Professor—a role that endured for more than 40 years and supported Emory’s strong partnership with The Carter Center, which continues his global mission in peace and health.

The appointment of President Laney as US Ambassador to South Korea in 1993 marked a remarkable transition from university leadership to international diplomacy. Laney carried Emory’s tradition of scholarship, moral leadership, and service onto the world stage.

President Laney was a powerful force for change, elevating our university and building for what we are today. His legacy will live on through the James T. and Berta R. Laney Chair in Moral Leadership at Candler School of Theology, the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies, across every corner of our campuses, and through the countless lives he transformed.

Today, we join our community in remembering, with gratitude, the life of James T. Laney—an inspiring leader, scholar, global humanitarian, diplomat, and longstanding friend. On behalf of the entire university, we extend our condolences to his wife, Berta, and his entire family.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow in Convocation Hall. 

 

Sincerely,

Justice Leah Ward Sears 80L
President (Interim), Emory University

Christopher L. Augostini
President-Elect, Emory University