Charles Bass Reed was born on September 29, 1941, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and died on December 6, 2016.
He served as chancellor of the State University System of Florida from 1985 to 1998 and chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system from 1998 to 2012.
He grew up in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and was the eldest of seven children.
Charles’s father, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, was a civil engineer and construction supervisor. Reed played football in high school.
But also, he earned a full athletic scholarship to George Washington University and received three degrees there: a B.S. in physical education (1963), M.A. in secondary education (1964), and Ed.D. in teacher education (1970).
He was chief of staff for Florida Governor Bob Graham, from 1984 to 1985.
He served as the chancellor of the State University System of Florida, from 1985 to 1998.
After 14 years as CSU chancellor on May 24, 2012, Reed announced his retirement, leaving office at the end of December 2012, being replaced by Timothy P. White.
He died at his home in Long Beach, Florida, on December 6, 2016.
Charles B. Reed passed away at 75 years old.