Former Kansas University education professor and administrator Jerry Hutchison was a visionary, friends and colleagues said.

“I think he was a trailblazer, and I think he understood where many of the future outreach efforts of the university had to go,” said Deanell Reece Tacha, a former vice chancellor for academic affairs.

During the 1970s, Hutchison helped establish off-campus educational centers, including the Regents Center in Johnson County – today’s Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

Hutchison, 73, a Hendersonville, N.C., resident and former Lawrence resident, died Friday at Four Seasons Hospice in Flat Rock, N.C.

He served in many capacities at KU since 1965, when he started as assistant secretary for the Kansas Alumni Association. Hutchison later earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in educational research and management.

He taught in KU’s School of Education until he retired in 1993.

“He was an individual that a number of students did have strong associations with,” said Ed Meyen, a former KU education dean. “He was able to benefit individuals and attract them into programs and be very supportive of them.”

Hutchison also was known for the 23 years he spent in KU’s Office of Academic Affairs, where he also worked with students and faculty members on educational issues. He also advocated to implement more technology in the enrollment process.

“He was a man of tremendous commitment to the students, faculty and staff,” said Tacha, who is now the chief judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit. “He was a great adviser for me as well as lots of other people because he listened so well, and he had a good sense of the future.”

In a short biography on him, Hutchison’s family members said he suffered a stroke in 1997 and only partially recovered.

“To our immense pleasure, his amazing communication skills and humor remained: to speak, to read, to teach and, as always, to learn,” the family wrote.

Cremation is planned, and family services in Kansas are pending.