It is with great sadness that the Sullivan family announce the passing of the Sullivan University trailblazer, Alva Ray (AR) Sullivan –founder; Chancellor Emeritus; cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He joined his Mother, Lou Ella Coffman, Father, Alva Owen Sullivan and Sister, Doris Baird (Tommy) in passing on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
Born November 2, 1938, Chancellor Emeritus Sullivan was a proud Louisvillian. A graduate of Male High School, he was the trusted Drum Major and performed on the field with great passion. While at Male High School, Dr. Sullivan served proudly in the JROTC where rose to the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He continued in the ROTC at the University of Kentucky where he was awarded many medals including Outstanding Junior and received the ROA cadet award. Dr. Sullivan earned a Doctor of Business Administration degree, Honoris Causa, from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.
He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and was an active member of the Beta - Nu chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He continued to support the Kappa Sigma organization and the Louisville Alumni Chapter until his passing.
Dr. Sullivan and his father Alva Owen (AO) Sullivan, recognized the need for a new kind of institution. One where higher education would fulfill the highest ideals and standards of excellence. Together they opened Sullivan Business College, a one-year school of business, where seven eager students enrolled in the summer of 1962.
Dr. Sullivan guided the institution through eras of growth and transformation. Under his leadership the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges granted Sullivan membership. Sullivan University became the first private career college in the South to earn accreditation from SACSCOC.
Under Dr. Sullivan’s leadership the center of learning grew from an Associate granting degree institution to offering Bachelor degrees in 1990, Master degrees in 1997, and Doctoral degrees in 2008. Campuses were opened on the Army Base at Fort Knox, Lexington and three learning centers. Dr. Sullivan believed in his students and constantly sought to evolve the University’s facilities to meet an ever changing job market.
In 2018 Spencerian College and Sullivan College of Technology and Design merged into Sullivan University System. Considering that Spencerian’s history dates to 1892, it takes a leader with conviction and insight to make positive changes for the outcome of students.
Dr. Sullivan had many accolades and felt honored to serve the higher education community on boards, councils and committees:
*American Council on Education, Commission on Education Credit
*Workforce Investment Board
*Greater Louisville, Inc.
*Private Education Research Council
*National Commission on High Education
*Adult Learner of the American Council on Education
*Association of Independent Colleges and Schools
In 1999, Dr. Sullivan was named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year and was subsequently inducted into the Entrepreneur of the Year International Hall of Fame. In 2006 Dr. Sullivan received the Dan Mangeot Award for his significant contributions to the advancement of tourism and the hospitality industry. In 2009 Junior Achievement inducted Dr. Sullivan into the Business Hall of Fame, awarding him recognition as their Laureate. That same year, he was named Business Leader of the Year by Business First.
Dr. Sullivan’s passion was in his graduates. It was his vision to develop a major post-secondary educational institution that would meet the needs of the students. Dr. Sullivan had an unbelievable impact and influence on the lives of thousands of individuals who have now achieved their dreams through his vision. For many years, he personally greeted every graduate that walked across his stage, warmly congratulating them and he was proud to witness each one’s milestone of achievement.
To his family Dr. Sullivan was a jovial man with a playful soul. He was a very proud parrot head and attended 20 concerts singing out to “Cheeseburger in Paradise” with crowds around the globe. He was an accomplished artist and won awards for his painting at the age of 14.
He was an honorary member of the Kentucky Colonels, and honorary member of the Golden Toque Society. A legendary pumpkin carver he was his happiest when entertaining his family in a summer grill and travelling with his wife. He is remembered for his love of tennis and snow skiing. He was always proud of the pictures he could share from those adventures.
A resident of Louisville and Naples, Florida, Dr. Sullivan will be deeply missed by his wife, Hazel Matthews Sullivan; daughter Lisa Zaring (Guthrie); son Glenn Sullivan (Alyson). His step-daughter, Carolyn (Trevor) and their children Damon and Alyssa. Grandchildren, Elizabeth Age (Paul), Patrick Likins (Laura), Drayden Zaring, Mason and Abigail Sullivan and three great-grandchildren Emma Age, Owen Age and Luna Likins.
Funeral Service will be at 11 AM on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Broadway Baptist Church (4000 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40207) with a private burial to follow.
Visitation will be from 4 PM until 7 PM on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home (4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218).
Donations in Dr. Sullivan’s honor can be made to The American Heart Association or Gilda’s Club of Louisville.
Dr. Sullivan’s legacy will live on through his family, employees, students and colleagues in higher education community.
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