2008 Woodie Awards
Sells leaves a legacy in Bolivar community
Former Southwest Baptist University president dies at age 79
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: News
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Sells was traveling westbound on Forest Street at 9:36 a.m. when he failed to make the curve at the intersection of North Oakland Avenue. A witness told police that Sell's 2007 Chevrolet Silverado traveled through a median and down a gravel driveway, where it struck a parked 1995 Ford Pickup.
Police and paramedics found Sells in respiratory distress and quickly transferred him to Citizen's Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
Sells was named the Director of Academic Affairs at Southwest Baptist College in 1965.
He became the 21st president of the college in 1968 and was named chancellor in 1979, a position he held until 1992.
Sells was also involved with several community projects in Bolivar, including the Citizens Memorial Healthcare, the Polk County Library and the Bolivar YMCA.
On Monday, SBU President, C. Pat Taylor, made this statement on Sell's life:
"Dr. Jim Sells is one of the heroes of Southwest Baptist University. For 12 years, he provided SBU with leadership as president and then for 12 years as chancellor.
During his 24-year tenure, Dr. Sells saw the institution through the transition form a college to a university, the development of signature graduate programs and a significant increase in enrollment.
In addition, many of the current buildings on campus were built under his leadership. Much of the success we have enjoyed at SBU during recent years is due to the foundation Dr. Sells established."
"This university owes Dr. Jim Sells a debt of gratitude," said Taylor. "Our prayers and thoughts are with the Sells children and grandchildren."
Funeral services were held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.
Graveside services followed at Crestview Memorial Gardens east of Bolivar.
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