Clifton R. Wharton Jr., former Michigan State University president and all-around pioneer, has passed away at the age of 98. Wharton was a trailblazer throughout his life, holding such positions as university president,

Clifton R. Wharton Jr., former Michigan State University president and pioneer, is dead at the age of 98, the school said.

EAST LANSING — Clifton Wharton Jr., a former Michigan State University president whose name and memory are tied to MSU's Wharton Center, died Saturday. He was 98, MSU’s president from 1970-1978, and a man of many firsts.

Former Michigan State President Clifton R. Wharton Jr., has died at the age of 98.Wharton was appointed Michigan State’s 14th president in 1970, he was also recognized as the first Black President of a major U.