For more than three decades, K.C. Potter dedicated his life to ensuring the students of Vanderbilt University not only had a safe college experience, but also that they were all treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.
Potter, an LGBTQ+ advocate, impacted students from all walks of life during his time at Vanderbilt, which spanned from his days as a law school student to dean emeritus of residential and judicial affairs.
On Aug. 26, the beloved campus figure died at 85 years old.
“K.C. Potter’s pioneering vision and decades of dedicated leadership transformed Vanderbilt — and his impact, through the countless lives he touched, extends far and wide,” Chancellor Daniel Diemier said in a news release from Vanderbilt. “He was a living, shining example of our enduring mission to bring out the best of human potential and to welcome one another in a sprit of shared humanity and mutual respect. His legacy of courage and compassion, his steadfast advocacy for student life and his deep commitment to Vanderbilt will continue to inspire us all.”
Potter was born in Fallsburg, Kentucky, on June 30, 1939. He first stepped foot on campus as a law student in 1961. He was first employed as an assistant resident advisor at Vanderbilt Hall. After completing his law degree, he worked as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Tennessee, and in 1964, he was admitted to the Tennessee Bar.
Potter used his law experience as the chief arbiter of the university’s judicial system. He was known for fairly judging student affairs and ensuring everyone was heard.
“His dedication to our students and his unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment have left an indelible mark on this university,” Provost C. Cybele Raver said.
Potter was also responsible for matters relating to Vanderbilt’s sororities, fraternities as well as the LGBTQ+ community.
Due to this dedication, in 2008, the Euclid House on West Side Row was renamed the K.C. Potter Center. It is now known as the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life.
“This space is more than a symbol, it’s more than a gathering place, it’s more than a comfortable couch. It is a place where students find themselves and each other,” said Chris Purcell, then-director of the Office of LGBTQI Life, at the 10-year ceremony in 2018.
After his retirement in 1998, Potter and his husband, Richard Patrick, continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, specifically in rural areas.
With more time on his hands, he then devoted his life to his 177-acre farm in Hickman County. He spent many of his days working in his vegetable garden and reading history and biography books.
To stay connected to his beloved students, Potter and Patrick hosted an annual Fall Fest Gathering of Friends and a yearly Summer Cinema Nights concert program at their farm.
Potter is survived by his husband, brother Jerry L. Potter, sister Anna L. Davis, two nephews, two nieces, three great-nieces and three great-nephews.
“I do many things poorly,” Potter said in 1998. “But relating to young people is the one thing I do well. They are young, which means their judgment is not so good, but they are people, and they should be treated carefully and respectfully.”
A celebration of life has been planned for May; details will be forthcoming.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: K.C. Potter dies: How Vanderbilt dean, LGBTQ+ advocate is remembered
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