Alan “Al” T. Seagren, 86, of Lincoln, died Nov. 27, 2018. An alumnus and professor emeritus, Seagren served more than 50 years at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, working in numerous leadership roles.
Seagren was born Feb. 24, 1932 on the family farm near Wausa to Theodore and Elsie (Larson) Seagren. After graduating from Wausa High School in 1949, Seagren attended and played football at Luther College in Wahoo. He earned degrees from the University of Nebraska, including a Bachelor of Science (1953), Masters of Education (1958) and a doctorate in education (1962).
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in military intelligence during and after the Korean War.
Seagren started his teaching career in Mullen, one of four communities involved with the university’s Community Education Project. He joined the faculty of educational administration and secondary education at Nebraska in 1963, serving initially as principal of University High School and director of secondary student teaching.
His university career included appointments as vice president for administration for the University of Nebraska system; associate chancellor for academic affairs; associate dean of Teachers College (now the College of Education and Human Sciences); chair of educational administration; director of summer sessions; and director of the Center for the Study of Higher and Post-Secondary Education.
Through his career, Seagren continued to teach graduate-level courses. He also served as an international visiting professor in Japan, China, Australia, Sweden, Thailand and Guam.
He was active in service to a number of church and educational organizations.
Seagren is survived by his wife 58 years, Sharon, of Lincoln; son, Eric Seagren of Hancock, Michigan; daughter, Tracy Way, of Lincoln; six grandchildren; and a great grandson.
Memorial contributions are suggested to one of the following charities: Alan T. Seagren Excellence in Leadership Fund with the University of Nebraska Foundation; Lincoln’s First Lutheran Church building fund; or the Landing Scholarship Fund.
