Morehouse College Interim president passes away

Taggart, 55, took over for John Wilson, who was ousted from his position in March, three months before his contract was to expire.

According to the HBCU Digest, Taggart was an alumnus of Howard University and was the former president and CEO of Atlanta Life Financial Company. He joined Morehouse as the campus' chief operating officer in July of 2015.

The Morehouse College Board of Trustees released this regarding the death of Taggart Thursday morning:

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Interim President William J. "Bill" Taggart, a beloved colleague, father and friend. For the past two years, Bill devoted himself wholeheartedly to Morehouse College. We are eternally grateful for his loyal support, counsel, and the leadership he provided to students, faculty, and alumni.

Throughout his tenure, Bill had a positive impact on Morehouse College and the Greater Atlanta business community. He leaves behind a long legacy of compassion, integrity and devotion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."

Mayor Kasim Reed also released a statement regarding Taggart's death:

I am saddened by the passing of Morehouse College Interim President William Taggart. Bill was a respected businessman, a devoted father and husband, and a civic leader dedicated to our city.

He has served Morehouse College with distinction for the past two years, providing steady leadership for one of the nation's best HBCUs and one of the most important educational institutions in the City of Atlanta.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family and with the entire Morehouse community. For all his accomplishments, I know Bill had so much still to give. This is a loss we will feel for a generation.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

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