Skip to content

OMA&D Mourns Passing of Former VP Herman Lujan

Dr. Herman Lujan, who served as the vice president for Minority Affairs from 1978-1988, passed away on Tues., May 30, at the age of 81.

OMA&D Vice Presidents - 2008
Herman Lujan (left) with other former OMA&D vice presidents Myron Apilado, Sheila Edwards Lange, Sam Kelly and Rusty Barcelo in 2008.

An educator and administrator for more than 50 years, Lujan was the third vice president to lead OMA&D, a role that he occupied for 10 years. During his tenure, several new programs were established including two which still exist today, Educational Talent Search and the Early Identification Program.

Following his time in Minority Affairs, Lujan served as vice provost for Academic Affairs at the UW until 1991. He was also a member of the faculty in the Department of Political Science.

Lujan went on to work in top administrative positions at various institutions for the remainder of his career. He served as president at the University of Northern Colorado, vice president and provost of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system and provost at four California State Universities.

He had written several books on higher education and was presented the UW’s Charles E. Odegaard Award by OMA&D and the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program in 1990.

Lujan returned to the UW campus in 2008 to participate in a panel discussion with other former and current OMA&D vice presidents during the office’s 40th anniversary festivities. Read article here.

Lujan was born in Pelau-Hakalau, Hawaii. He attended seminary before his acceptance to St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif., where he completed a bachelor of arts degree. He received a master’s degree from University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Idaho.

Lujan is survived by his wife Carla, three children, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He lived in Vallejo, Calif., at the time of his passing.