Obituary: Dr. Dan C. West, Longtime College Administrator, Dies at 86

The former president of Arkansas College and Carroll College was known for his dedication to higher education and his love of family.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:59am

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph in soft, warm tones depicting an academic setting with indistinct figures, conveying the lasting impact of Dr. Dan C. West's career in higher education.The legacy of Dr. Dan C. West, a respected college administrator who dedicated his life to higher education, lives on through the countless students and institutions he touched.Galveston Today

Dr. Dan C. West, a respected college administrator who served as president of Arkansas College (now Lyon College) and Carroll College, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 86. West had a long and distinguished career in higher education, holding various leadership roles at institutions across the country before retiring to Atlanta in 2008 with his wife of nearly 63 years, Sidney Claire Childs West.

Why it matters

Dr. West's passing marks the end of an era for several colleges and universities that benefited from his steady leadership and vision over the decades. As a dedicated educator and administrator, he helped shape the futures of countless students and left a lasting impact on the institutions he served.

The details

Born in Galveston, Texas in 1939, West graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas before attending the University of Texas and the U.S. Naval Academy. He later earned degrees from Austin College, Union Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt University, and Harvard University. West served as the minister of Smyrna Presbyterian Church in Tennessee before returning to Austin College as director of church relations. He then became president of Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville, Arkansas, where he served for 16 years. West later served as president of Carroll College in Wisconsin and held vice president roles at Union College in New York and Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. After retiring in 2008, West came out of retirement for almost a year to serve as interim vice president for development at Agnes Scott College in Georgia.

  • Dr. Dan C. West was born on May 29, 1939 in Galveston, Texas.
  • He passed away on March 30, 2026 at the age of 86.
  • West and his wife Sidney Claire Childs West were married for almost 63 years.

The players

Dr. Dan C. West

An accomplished college administrator who served as president of Arkansas College (now Lyon College) and Carroll College, and held various vice president roles at other institutions before retiring to Atlanta in 2008.

Sidney Claire Childs West

Dr. West's wife of nearly 63 years, who survives him.

Embry Carlos West

Dr. West's father.

Mildred Louise Junker West

Dr. West's mother.

Elizabeth Claire West Jones

Dr. West's daughter.

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What they’re saying

“For over 50 years, he kept up with every single one of them and shared news of all his family and friends in the weekly Family Letter.”

— Family Member

What’s next

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 AM on April 10, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

The takeaway

Dr. Dan C. West's long career in higher education left a lasting impact on the colleges and universities he served, and his dedication to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.