February 3, 2012

University of Virginia College of Wise Chancellor David J. Prior has died. He was 68.

The college says in a news release that Prior died Thursday from natural causes but did not give specifics. Students, faculty and staff held a candlelight vigil Thursday night.

Prior was inaugurated as the college's seventh chancellor on April 11, 2006.

During Prior's tenure, the college says both enrollment and the campus grew. Construction projects included the $30 million Convocation Center.

The college also conducted a five-year fundraising campaign called "Fulfilling the Dream" that exceeded its $50 million goal.

Prior began his teaching career in 1973 at the University of Kentucky. After holding administrative positions at several universities, he became provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2002.