He was the first African American to become president of a large white university, C.E.O. of a major corporation and deputy secretary of state.

Clifton R. Wharton Jr., former Michigan State University president and pioneer, is dead at the age of 98, the school said.

EAST LANSING — Clifton Wharton Jr., a former Michigan State University president whose name and memory are tied to MSU's Wharton Center, died Saturday. He was 98, MSU’s president from 1970-1978, and a man of many firsts.

Former Michigan State University President Clifton Wharton Jr. has died. Wharton led the school between 1970-78, making him the first African American president of a major U.S. public research university. As president, he oversaw the creation of the MSU Foundation and established an anti-discrimination judicial board.

Former Michigan State President Clifton R. Wharton Jr., has died at the age of 98.Wharton was appointed Michigan State’s 14th president in 1970, he was also recognized as the first Black President of a major U.

Dr. Clifton R. Wharton Jr, MSU’s first Black president and a community leader and pioneer, has died at the age of 98. During his tenure, Wharton maintained the quality of MSU’s academic programs and was known for his commitment to educating people who are economically disadvantaged.