MSU remembers President Morris Norfleet (1977-84)

Former MSU President Dr. Morris Norfleet passed away Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Jean Waddle Care Center at 92.

Norfleet was inaugurated as MSU’s eighth president in 1977 and served until 1984. Before serving as president, Norfleet worked for 26 years as an administrator, starting his MSU career as the director of student teaching in 1962 and later becoming the vice president of research and development. During his tenure, he served as a special consultant of corporate relations for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and as chair of the Jesse Stuart Foundation Board of Directors.

Norfleet graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1952 and began teaching in Spiceland, Indiana. He then obtained his Doctor of Philosophy from Purdue University in 1962.

Norfleet was a church deacon and Sunday school teacher. He participated in numerous mission trips to Russia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Djibouti, Brazil, and eastern Kentucky. In 2006, he received the Missionary of the Year award in Kentucky.

Morris is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Loistene Tarter Norfleet; a son, Douglas Lee (Lora Lee) Norfleet of Nancy; a grandson, Brandon Lee Norfleet of Nashville, Tennessee; and a granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth Norfleet of Louisville.

DID YOU KNOW ...

During Norfleet’s tenure as president, an entity was established that has benefited thousands of students and will continue to do so for generations to come.

Organized in 1979, the MSU Foundation is a non-affiliated corporation supporting fundraising efforts and advancing University programs. Through partnership with the University, the Foundation works to serve MSU by providing scholarship support, research and program enhancement, and more. The Foundation has provided nearly $5 million in aid to the University through its initiatives and fundraising campaigns, including approximately $1 million in privately funded Foundation scholarships to 600 students annually.

alumni.moreheadstate.edu/foundation