Former ACUHO-I President Alan Hargrave passed away on June 7, 2025, at the age of 68. In his career, he worked at Murray State University and the University of Southern Mississippi before becoming a fixture at Ball State University, where he served for 35 years.
Hargrave was a transformative force at Ball State, overseeing the construction or renovation of almost a dozen residence halls. In addition, he spearheaded various programs and initiatives to enhance the student experience. He was also an adjunct graduate professor in Educational Studies at Ball State, where he further helped shape the future of the housing profession. The university recognized his passing, praising his “visionary leadership and student-first approach.”
Beyond his campus, Hargrave was also generous in sharing knowledge with his ACUHO-I colleagues, where he was a mentor and friend to many. He authored book chapters, articles for the Talking Stick and the Journal of College & University Student Housing, and presented dozens of conference sessions. In 1997, when the ACUHO-I board created a GLBT Representative position, Hargrave was the first to be elected. He would also serve as the Central District Representative on the Executive Board from 2001-2003, and his leadership culminated in his 2005-2006 presidential term.
During his time on the board, he helped usher in numerous developments to further the association. Among these accomplishments was helping ACUHO-I transition to a professional association management model; advocating for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion; connecting with housing professionals in South Africa; launching The Placement Exchange partnership with NASPA; and helping transition the Executive Board to a subject-matter-expert model.
At the 2025 Campus Home. LIVE! Conference & Expo, Hargrave will be recognized as the recipient of the year’s ACUHO-I Award, the most prestigious award the Association offers. Those who nominated him for the award noted that Hargrave “embodies the spirit and values of ACUHO-I,” recognized his “innovative approaches, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication,” and spotlighted his delivery of “the funniest and most entertaining Presidential farewell speech ever.”
Additionally, Hargrave was selected for the ACUHO-I Foundation’s Parthenon Society in 2010.
Later in his career and after retiring in 2021, Hargrave became renowned nationwide as a leading owner of several award-winning Jack Russel Terriers, a pursuit he embraced with his trademark enthusiasm.
An obituary and opportunity for remembrance are available here.
In lieu of flowers, he requested donations to three funds, including the ACUHO-I Foundation. Learn more here.
