Neal Malicky, 90, President of Baldwin Wallace University from 1981 to 1999, died Friday. Born in Sour Lake, TX, to George and Ethel Malicky, his family settled in Baldwin, KS, where he attended Baker University, earned his undergraduate degree and met his future wife, Margi Wilson. They graduated in 1956, were married and had three sons—Michael, Eric and David. In 1959, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University and served as a Methodist pastor in Peekskill, NY, while earning a doctorate in international affairs at Columbia University. In 1969, he returned to Baker University as dean of the college and served as interim president in 1974. The family moved to Northeast Ohio in 1975 when he was named dean of the college and vice president for academic affairs at BW. He became BW president in 1981. He was recognized widely for his personal warmth and inspirational leadership that helped BW to expand its undergraduate and graduate programs, increase its undergraduate enrollment to 4,500 students, and transform its campus through the renovation of established facilities and the construction of new ones. His vision of "Quality Education with a Personal Touch" remained a guiding principle throughout his career. He successfully led two fundraising campaigns with each setting a higher standard for BW. Beyond his administrative abilities, he was a relationship-builder who touched thousands of lives, consistently inspiring individuals to achieve their best. Students said that they believed he knew each one by their first name. He championed diversity and inclusion, receiving the 1996 Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice. Neal is survived by his sisters Georgann and Joyce, sons Michael (Heather) and Eric (Kathy); grandchildren Peter, Chris (Meredith), Hannah, James (Lisa), George and Caroline; great-grandchildren Natalie and Zachary; and companion Margaret Brooks-Terry. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margi and son, David. A celebration of Neal's life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, December 7, at the United Methodist Church of Berea. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Neal and Margi Malicky Scholarship Fund at Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH, 44017.