Melvin Curtis Tyler, former vice chancellor of student affairs and enrollment management at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, died on September 15, just 10 days after his retirement as vice chancellor. He was 62 years old.
Before joining the staff at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Tyler was employed for 11 years at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph. He served as assistant director of admissions, residential housing director, and assistant basketball coach.
Throughout his career, Tyler earned many accolades including the Dr. Joseph Seabrooks Jr. Leadership Award from The African American Student Union in 2015, the ACE Award from the Diversity Business Connection Advisory Board of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in 2012 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009.
Tyler received his master’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University. A room and scholarship fund have been established in his name at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Higher education has lost a genuine supporter of African American students and faculty. I knew Melvin during my tenure as Dean & Endowed Chair there and was always impressed with his commitment to the development of our youth beyond academics. We will miss him. Condolences to the family and the University of Missouri-Kansas City community.