Eric Estes Obituary and Death: Brown University Vice President for Campus Life Passes Away Suddenly
Eric Estes, the Vice President for Campus Life at Brown University, tragically passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education and community building. The circumstances of his death are unknown, and the news has sent shockwaves through the academic community.
Eric Estes was a highly respected figure in the world of education, with a career spanning over two decades. He joined Brown University in July 2016, overseeing a division with 20 departments that supported students, faculty, and staff. His focus on inclusive community building, developmental advising, health and wellbeing, equity, inclusion, and operational excellence has left a lasting impact on the university.
Before joining Brown University, Estes spent 12 years at Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he served as Vice President and Dean of Students for five years. He was also an associate dean in both the College of Arts and Sciences and Student Life, and the longest-serving director of Oberlin’s Multicultural Resource Center.
Estes’ career was marked by his commitment to education and community service. He held faculty and administrative roles at Duke and Syracuse Universities, chairing a presidential task force on LGBT matters at Duke and working on professional development programs at Syracuse. He co-taught courses on various topics, including modern Germany and the Holocaust, gender and mass violence, and Asian American student activism.
Estes was a highly respected figure in his field, organizing numerous conferences, giving lectures internationally, and receiving several prestigious grants and fellowships. He was a member of the Trinity College Board of Trustees and served as president of the college’s national alumni association. He chaired the steering board for the Consortium on High Achievement and Success (CHAS) and was actively involved in local community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Rhode Island and the Providence Public Library.
The news of Estes’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many expressing their shock and sadness at his sudden death. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, faculty, and staff, and his commitment to education and community service will never be forgotten.
Estes’ impact on Brown University and the wider academic community cannot be overstated. His dedication to inclusive community building and developmental advising has left a lasting impact on the university, and his commitment to equity, inclusion, and operational excellence has inspired countless students and faculty members.
As the academic community mourns the loss of Eric Estes, we remember his tireless dedication to education and community service. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and his memory will never be forgotten.
In the face of this tragic loss, we take comfort in the memories we have of Eric Estes and the impact he had on our lives. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of those who knew him, but his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Eric Estes may be gone, but his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many achievements he accomplished in his too-short life. Rest in peace, Eric. Your memory will never be forgotten.
The academic community will deeply miss Eric Estes, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to build a more inclusive and equitable world. His passing is a reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives of others, and we will strive to continue his work in the years to come.
