Ruric Nevel Roark
Ruric N. Roark | |
|---|---|
| 1st President of Eastern Kentucky University | |
| In office May 9, 1906 – April 14, 1909 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Mary Creegan Roark |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 19, 1859 |
| Died | April 14, 1909 (aged 49) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Resting place | Richmond Cemetery, Richmond, Kentucky |
| Spouse | Mary Creegan Roark (m. 1882) |
| Education | National Normal University |
Ruric Nevel Roark (May 19, 1859 – April 14, 1909) was Eastern Kentucky University's first president. He held that title from 1906 until his death in 1909. Roark started many of the initial plans to add to and expand the campus. Though he never got to lay eyes on them, Roark is said to be responsible for the construction of three buildings on EKU's campus, the University Building, the Miller Gymnasium, and Memorial Hall. Roark also has a building on Eastern Kentucky University's campus named after him.