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E.K. Fretwell Obituary

E.K. Fretwell arrived at UNC Charlotte in 1979 with a national reputation as an educator. In his 10 years as chancellor, he conferred that national reputation on the one-time commuter college in the rolling countryside northeast of the city.

Fretwell died Thursday afternoon at The Cypress. He was 88.

UNCC's first chancellor, Dean W. Colvard, had laid the groundwork for a solid regional university. Fretwell, fresh from an 11-year stint as president of the State University of New York College at Buffalo, hoisted his lanky, 6-foot-7 frame atop that foundation and planted the flag for an urban university, with an expanding emphasis on the liberal arts.

"E.K. was larger than life physically and metaphorically," said Doug Orr, president emeritus of Warren Wilson College, who served as Fretwell's one-time vice chancellor for development and public service at UNCC.

"Charlotte was not well-known, but E.K. was," Orr said. "As soon as he got here, he was asked to chair one board after another."

Fretwell saw UNCC as a growth stock.

"UNCC had grown fast," he told a reporter in 1979, "but it still had plenty of potential."

During Fretwell's decade in Charlotte, both U.S. News & World Report and Money magazine cited UNCC as an unheralded bargain. Enrollment climbed from 8,705 students to nearly 13,000 by the time he retired. Today, more than 26,000 attend the university.

"He wanted to cast a wider net in public service," Orr said. Those services include the Urban Institute, the International Studies program, a developing University City and an expanding athletics program.

He took major steps toward diversity, as well.

"During his tenure," says Carol Correll, administrative assistant with UNCC's Office of the Chancellor Emeritus, "the international student population grew to 3 percent of undergraduates, which, at the time, was the highest of any UNC system institutions, including Chapel Hill and N.C. State."

He also transformed the radio station, WFAE-FM (90.7). When Fretwell arrived, it was a 10-watt, student-run operation. The chancellor sought financial support and got the station affiliated with NPR.

Degree in English

Elbert Kirtley Fretwell Jr. was born in New York City on Oct. 29, 1923, to Elbert and Jean Hosford Fretwell. He attended New York City's Lincoln School and graduated from Wesleyan University in Connecticut with a degree in English.

After getting a master's in teaching from Harvard, he rolled up his sleeves and stepped into the classroom – seventh- and eighth-grade social studies in Brookline, Mass., followed by two years of 12th-grade and community college English in Evanston, Ill. The latter stint won him a John Hay Whitney fellowship, awarded each year to 20 outstanding high school teachers.

That same year, 1951, Fretwell married the former Dorrie Shearer, a professional soprano, (she died Dec. 30, 2011, only months after they celebrated their 60th anniversary), and the couple moved to New York City, where two years later he earned his Ph.D. at Teacher's College of Columbia University.

He served as university dean for academic development for three years at the City University of New York before assuming the presidency of the College at Buffalo in 1967.

A 'railroad fetish'

No matter where Fretwell headed, his interest in trains followed.

The story goes that Fretwell left his wife on their honeymoon to ride a train making its final trip. The bride gamely drove alongside the tracks, picking him up when the ride ended.

"He came as close to having a railroad fetish as you can have," said Dennis Rash, who served on one of the chancellor's planning committees. The two became hiking buddies, and Rash, now retired executive-in-residence at UNCC, said Fretwell's cap of choice for hiking was always a railroad engineer's.

"He liked nothing better than for you to say, 'Let's go hike down Johns River Gorge or Linville Falls,'?" Rash said. "He was fascinating to hike with because of his interest in the environment, his vision about the topography and his constant stream-of-consciousness conversations. It usually took about a nanosecond to get him on trains."

Early years at UNCC

Fretwell's easy-going charm served him well during his early years at UNCC, when he had to negotiate with some disgruntled faculty members who felt the university's emphasis had switched from teaching undergraduates to pursuing research.

"UNCC was meant to be ultimately a research university," Orr said. "Some of the grumbling was coming from the old-timers. The younger members, fresh off dissertations, were expecting to combine research and teaching."

And according to Orr, after Fretwell arrived, faculty discontent with a few administrators had reached "a boiling point."

Fretwell bit the bullet. He called each of these administrators into his office and announced he was making changes. The result was to consolidate three academic divisions into the College of Arts and Sciences.

"As a professor's son and an English major," said Orr, "E.K. never wavered in his commitment to a strong liberal arts core as UNCC grew toward research university status."

Orr said one of Fretwell's great gifts was his articulate and nimble manner on his feet.

"He was a wonderfully approachable guy," said Dan Morrill, longtime UNCC history professor. "He had tremendous people skills. He made you feel as if you were his best friend. He didn't come across the way you'd think a chancellor would. He came across more like a bartender."

White-sneakered traveler

After his retirement at age 65 (for his retirement party on campus, he wore his green UNCC jacket and matching green tie with polka dots), Fretwell served as interim president of the University of Massachusetts and later as interim president of the University of North Florida.

Retirement also allowed the Fretwells to indulge their love of travel.

On a six-week, round-the-world trip to represent UNCC at major higher education conferences, Fretwell's luggage was lost somewhere between Charlotte and Korea. Unable to locate his 13-D shoe size in Korea, Fretwell continued to wear his white sneakers for the duration of the trip.

"I thought about getting them bronzed when the trip was over," he told a reporter later.

The Fretwells were the parents of four children, including Charlotte lawyer Jim Fretwell.

"I have tremendous affection for E.K.," Orr said. "He helped put us on the international map."

- Dannye Romine, The Charlotte Observer

Published by Charlotte Observer on Oct. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for E.K. Fretwell

Not sure what to say?





48 Entries

I was unaware that EK and Dorry passed away recently. As I read all these comments I am truly impressed. My late husband Leonard Tynan Reed was E.K.'s room mate at Wesleyan University class of 1944. They were members in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was 5'3" and often talked about EK and their times in undergraduate school.
My belated condolences are sent to his children.

Peggy Reed

Margaret L Reed

August 25, 2013

I am a graduate of Buffalo State College receiving my degree in 1974. Due to my involvement in student government, I had an opportunity to meet and work with Dr. Fretwell. I have always regarded him as one of the finest people I have ever met. And I am extremely fortunate to have met him. During the turbulent times in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Fretwell taught all of us how we should act and treat those with whom we might agree. If you know Dr. Fretwell, you will also know that it is likely my note here will be returned to me with grammatical corrections. We need more people like Dr. Fretwell and his loss is a deep loss indeed.

Thomas Williams

May 22, 2013

Dr. Fretwell was larger than life. He was a caring man. I am better for knowing and working with him.

Lisa Blackman

February 13, 2013

I had the good fortune to work with Dr. Fretwell when he was the interim President at the University of Massachusetts. I was on the Board of Trustees during his one year tenure, and the University was better for the relationship, brief as it was. He was one of those people who couldn't help but look up to - in every sense of the word! I am saddened to learn of his passing, but seeing his obituary made me remember him fondly.

Kevin Newnan

December 26, 2012

I met E.K. some twenty years ago when we both served as consultants on a national committee. He subsequently took an interest in my career, and he became a wise and available mentor to me. He understood the challenges that I faced as the first African American president of two historically white universities. I took great comfort in knowing that he was among my trusted colleagues during my investiture at Eastern Illinois University, which happened to be his mother's alma mater. What a princely man he was in every sense. Carol Diann Smith Surles

carol Surles

November 21, 2012

Dear Barbara, Peggy, Jim, and Katie -
Our lives and work at UNC Charlotte have been shaped and formed in remarkable ways by the inspirational leadership and friendship of E.K. and Dorrie. We are so grateful. We send our deepest sympathy and affirm that in the words of the Psalmist, you have a "goodly heritage."

Lawrence & Mary Lynne Calhoun

November 15, 2012

Sincere condolences to the family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

L. Ellis

October 30, 2012

Dear Family,
Please accept my condolences.As you are well aware, your Dad was a very special person who make everyone around him feel special. He made the Freshmen feel like they were immediately part of the UNCC family. He was a swell boss to Adjuncts as well as faculty and staff.
Nancy Bowen Wiggins

Nancy Wiggins

October 30, 2012

Dear Family,

E.K. and Dorrie were dear friends, beginning with our time together at Buffalo State. Certainly, they nourished me with their caring, loving ways, and E.K. gave me many opportunities to grow in my administrative capacity, eventually to become a president and chancellor, modeling my career after his.

He and Dorrie will always be treasured for all they mean to me. Know that I hold you all in my heart of hearts, as I hold them both, always.

I am sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Jim Young

Jim Young

October 29, 2012

Barbara, Peggy, Jim and Katie -

So sorry to hear that EK has died and also belatedly of Dorrie's death.

So many memories dating back to our July 4th celebrations when we all were little.

Mostly I remember getting together with your parents in Charlotte after my father moved there. They would meet up at the Symphony and the Opera. Always train stories and family stories between my father and Dorrie.

Your parents were very good friends to both my parents - and to me. He and I enjoyed talking about NYS and NYC politics then and now.

You may not be aware that EK helped my father during his moves in Charlotte and was the official shower curtain installer for obvious reasons. He offered at the time of my father's last move and was crushed he had a shower door at the new place :)

Know I am thinking of you all.

Susan Cooper

October 27, 2012

So sorry to learn of "Uncle E.K.'s" passing. My sympathies as well with the passing of your mother which I wasn't aware of. I have fond memories of the time our families spent together when we were all growing up. As a kid, I had absolutely no inkling what a distinguished educator your father was. I remember talking with your dad at my father's funeral back in Charlotte a few years ago (when I did by then realize his credentials) and I 'm still impressed by his thoughtful answers to my questions on college related things. Just a very humble, very bright and very nice person who didn't need to wear how smart he was on his sleeve. To top if off, your dad and mine were train guys. I'm much more a ship guy but will always feel a special connection to anyone who's into transportation stuff - period. Both your mom and dad were very special people. My thoughts are with all of you!

Bill Cooper

October 26, 2012

When I first worked at UNC Charlotte in the Reese building, EK Fretwell was the Chancellor. He was larger than life but so very human. He stopped in my basement office every once in a while to check on how my plants were growing. He always knew your name. He will be greatly missed.

Marti Becker

October 26, 2012

Leah Finch

October 25, 2012

Thank you Dr. Fretwell for all that you have done for the University. May you rest in peace.

~Ariel

ariel cam

October 24, 2012

to Barbara and your family, Mike and I are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. We also were unaware that you lost your mom last year. I will always remember our quartet rehearsals at your home in Buffalo. I really enjoyed your parents and am thankful for the great work your dad did at UNCC. Libby did her undergrad there, and is now working on her MBA at the Belk School of Business. I also fondly remember a visit we made to your folks shortly after we moved to Charlotte. Brian was just 2 and your mom pulled out a wooden drum for him to play with!Please know that Michael and I are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers, but also remembering both your parents with great respect and fondness. Our love to you, Susan and Michael Gillette

Susan Gillette

October 22, 2012

I will miss him. He was good to so many people in so many ways. God bless his family. PS - He loved the "ugly" green and white tie with the Miner 49er on it and he wore proudly at all the games he attended and so loved.

Mark Colone

October 22, 2012

What an amazing life he lived. He gave so much to our educational community and enriched so many young peoples lives.

Jenny Schultz

October 22, 2012

May God bless your soul, Rest in Peace Dr.Fretwell.

Lohithnaga Sama

October 22, 2012

Who will every forget Dr. Fretwell quickly striding around UNC Charlotte's campus-I know I won't. His energy, enthusiasm, and vision changed our campus forever, and for that many including myself are grateful. Godspeed E.K.!

Laura Hill Reece

October 22, 2012

E.K. was one of the good guys, good for Buffalo State and for education.

Charley Blaine

October 22, 2012

I am so saddened to learn of the passing of E.K. I followed him into being President of UNF and he helped me enormously with the trasition. We all thank him enormously for his great service to UNF.

Anne Hopkins

October 22, 2012

May God's Grace be with his family at this sorrowful time!

Linda Terry

October 22, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. I pray that God will give you peace during this time and know that He is with you.

Juanita Leto

October 22, 2012

I shall always remember the kindness that President Fretwell and his wife Dorrie extended to me and my family when I accepted a position at SUNY- Buffalo State so many years ago. He was a kind, humane gentlemen in every respect as well as an effective, forward looking and caring administrator. Having uprooted our family, having lived all of our lives in the west, he made every effort to make us feel at home. He was a role model and mentor who had a lasting influence.

David Walch

October 21, 2012

Prayers and hopes for the family.

Kelly Strong

October 21, 2012

Thank you Dr. Fretwell for everything that you have done for the University and its students, for all of your generosity and dedication. R.I.P. Dr. Fretwell my prayers are with his family.

Rosa Guzman

October 21, 2012

President Fretwell was a calming influence at Buffalo State during trying times. He has not been forgotten after all these years. Thank you for all you did at Buffalo State. Shirley Scheffler, Class of 1969

October 21, 2012

No word will be enough to express our gratitude toward all you have done for us and the University. May God Bless your family left behind and Rest In Peace. You will always be Missed and Loved.

Essoyodou Kpatcha

October 21, 2012

We have five UNCC degrees in our immediate family and have benefited so
much from the legacy he helped create.
Thank you Dr. Fretwell. Richard Hayes

October 21, 2012

Thank you Dr. Fretwell for everything that you've done for us and for making our campus into one that I am proud to be a part of

Benjamin Smyth

October 21, 2012

Kindness of spirit, generosity of soul and VERY tall. Fond memories are the gift you gave me. (Granddaughter of Dean Colvard)

Jill Opdyke Billings

October 20, 2012

I'm sad to say goodbye to such an amazing man and an honorable Chancellor. I am glad I can say I was attending UNCC, though for a short amount of time, during his term as Chancellor. He has changed so much at this university and unknowingly contributed to my attendance of the school. R.I.P. and your legacy will never be forgotten!

Scotti Davis

October 20, 2012

Thank you for all your great contributions to this great institution. I was not fortunate to meet you in person, but your legacy was well laid.

R.I.P Dr. Fretwell.

Deborah Nwafor

October 20, 2012

Chancellor Fretwell was a phenomenal man. He was eager and passionate and I feel we as 49ers should take notice of his excellent behavior and strive to be civic and expand our knowledge all over to help the community. I appreciate his contributions to the school I now consider my alma mater. Thank you Chancellor E.K. Fretwell, your hard work lives on!

October 19, 2012

Thank you for all that you've done. R.I.P. Dr. Fretwell.

October 19, 2012

Even though I never get a chance to meet Dr. Fretwell, his contribution to the university has touched me. I always picture myself to make contributions to either diversity educations or international business in the near future, and I always seeking a role model of pursing my dream. Now, I found it. Dr. Fretwell. I wish I could got a chance to sit down have a cup of coffee and a conversation of diversity education or so. I appreciate all his influential changes.

Dr. Fretwell, rest in peace.

Jingjing Zhao

October 19, 2012

We all recognize the contributions he made to the school and his vision has certainly led to a university of which we can all be proud. Having been a student during his tenure, I have to say that none of that mattered to me, at the time, as much as the fact that he genuinely cared about the students. Why else would a man serve students in a cafeteria at midnight during exam week. He certainly set an example and a high bar for those who would follow.

Bill Washburn

October 19, 2012

Dr. Fretwell will always be remembered fondly as a man that took time to speak and relate to the university employee whether they be administrator, staff support or student. We always looked forward to E.K. coming by our post office window in Mail Services to carry on a conversation with our window staff. They always felt as if he made them feel like they were more than just university staff. The university needs the kind of goodness that Dr. Fretwell shared with the campus community. God speed.

Thom Clark

October 19, 2012

I will always remember the vision of him stopping by our office asking for a back rub from Marian who is no taller than 5'2". She would stand on a chair while he hunched down so she could reach him! I happy memory.

Debbie Wilson

October 19, 2012

I never knew the man, but as a graduate of UNCC, I have been in the building named for him on many occassions. God speed, sir, and thank you for your contributions to UNCC.

Ed Pardue

October 19, 2012

It has been an honor and great privilege to know Dr. Fretwell. I am very grateful for the four years that I got to work with him. He loved talking about his children, grandchildren, times growing up, and all the places he has been. He always made me feel special, as he did everyone he came in contact with. I will miss him very much.

Carol Correll

October 19, 2012

Dr. Fretwell was a wonderful leader as the Interim President of the University of North Florida. Those of us who worked during his tenure remember with fondness his kindness and sense of humor (as evidenced by, among other experiences, his deciding that during a hot summer everybody needed an ice cream cone--and passing them out himself!). My prayers are with his family. He will be missed in many places.

Dr. Bob Farnsworth

October 19, 2012

Dr. Fretwell will be missed! I am so honored that he allowed me to visit him and his lovely wife for the past few years with my dogs. I enjoyed his many tales of his great life and hearing of all the intresting places he has been. He was always so kind and wanted to hear all about our adventures at each dog show when i would come back. Thank you Dr. Fretwell for befreinding me. My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family. He light up when he talked about you all.

Elea Warf

October 19, 2012

My sincerest condolences. Dr. Fretwell was such a gentleman and scholar! He never knew how much he impacted my life.

Linda Albright Rousseau

October 19, 2012

I had the honor of having lunch with Mr. Fretwell in 1999 during my scholarship interview/ luncheon. I knew he must have had some prominent place within the university but it was only later I found out who he was and the fact we were having lunch in the building named after him! I remember him being very down-to-earth and unassuming despite the fact he was a towering presence both literally and figuratively. He talked with me and my father for over an hour, and solidified in my mind that UNC-Charlotte was the right choice for me. His contributions to the university and to its students will be remembered forever.

Joel Thomas

October 19, 2012

I did not have the pleasure and privilege of knowing Dr. Fretwell as Chancellor, but there's no doubt that his leadership helped to propel UNC Charlotte to its current levels. Thanks for your leadership and commitment to the University.
J. R. Hildreth, Class of '76

October 19, 2012

Dr. Fretwell was the epitome of the Chancellor and friend everyone would want. I was so fortunate to know him well in my college years. He was well-loved and respected. He was always "there". He lived a good and motivating life.

Linda Russell Wilson

October 19, 2012

Thank you Mr. Fretwell! R.I.P.

K Pratt

October 19, 2012

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