Grove City College is mourning the passing of Dr. Jerry H. Combee, sixth president of the College, who died at the age of 79 on Dec. 27, 2023.
Combee was instrumental in moving Grove City College into a position of national recognition and prominence during his tenure from 1991 to 1995. He was, in the words of former College Trustee R. Heath Larry ’34, “a man of immense capability.”
Under his leadership, the College’s national profile was raised, enrollment was increased and broadened, and the quality of students and faculty improved. In 1994, he oversaw the beginning of a long-running technology initiative that has to date provided every incoming freshman with a laptop computer.
Combee advanced the College’s core Keystone Curriculum by launching the College’s humanities core called the Civilization Series, which won national acclaim. He also taught the introductory course, HUMA 101 Civilization, to all students. During his administration, Memorial Hall was rebuilt, and the College began to highlight its thought leadership and build connections in Washington D.C.
Before assuming the presidency, Combee served the College as dean and vice president for Academic Affairs beginning in 1988. He previously taught political science at Emory University, Cornell University, and Case Western Reserve University. He also served as dean of the School of Business at Liberty University. He graduated with a bachelor's and a master's degree from Emory University and earned a Ph.D. in government from Cornell University.
Combee is survived by his wife Daneille and a daughter, Cara Combee Hunter. He was preceded in death by a son, Trevor Combee. Full obituary information at dignitymemorial.com.