In 1981 Vandiver became president of Texas A&M University.[1] During his tenure, Vandiver was a driving force behind the adoption of a law creating space-grant colleges in the United States. Colleges given this designation would gain federal funds to research space-related technologies. Vandiver believed that Texas A&M was well-positioned to become one of the first of these institutions and remarked that such a designation would "elevate Texas A&M from being an excellent institution for space-related studies to being a great one".[3]
Vandiver resigned as president of A&M in 1988, citing a desire to spend more time on research and writing. Rather than leave the university, he established the Mosher Defense Studies Institute, a national defense think tank.[2] He was also named a distinguished professor in the history department.[1]
Writing
Vandiver wrote, co-wrote or edited 24 books, most centered on the American Civil War. Almost half of his books were still in print at the time of his death, including his first book Ploughshares Into Swords: Josiah Gorgas and Confederate Ordnance (1952). His 1977 book Black Jack: The Life and Times of John J. Pershing, was a runner-up for a National Book Award.[1] He also published over 100 scholarly articles or reviews.[2]
Vandiver was awarded many honors for his work. Among these were honors from two Civil War Round Tables (Houston and Baton Rouge).[4][5] The Houston Civil War Round Table renamed their annual award of merit the Frank E. Vandiver Award in 1985.[5] Vandiver was also awarded a distinguished service award from the Houston chapter of the Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and was named an honorary professor at the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion in Paraguay.[6]
Personal life
The Houston Chronicle described Vandiver as "a colorful and articulate man with much personal charm".[2] He was married twice. His first wife Carol Sue Smith died in 1979.[1] In 1981 Vandiver married Renee Aubry Carmody.[7] He had three children.
