Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Provost listed in stable condition at local hospital
By Jaime Walker
Skiff Staff

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs William Koehler was taken to an area hospital after he began convulsing while he drove College of Communications dean candidate William Slater down Forest Park Boulevard toward TCU.

Koehler was listed in stable condition Tuesday night at Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital in the cardiac sub-acute intensive care unit. The cause of the episode was unclear, a hospital spokeswoman said. Slater said he and Koehler were driving down the road “having a chat,” when Koehler stopped talking, slowed the car and began convulsing. Slater said he put the car in park and called Koehler’s office to get help.

As soon as faculty and staff heard Koehler had been hospitalized, they began arriving at the hospital to show support.

Rhonda Keen-Payne, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said the outpour of support is to be expected.

“Bill Koehler inspires loyalty,” she said from the hospital waiting room. “If the roles were reversed, he would be here for any of us.”

Keen-Payne said Koehler was awake and alert by the time he arrived at the hospital.
“He wants a (television) something awful,” she said.

Donna Johnson, Koehler’s executive assistant, said her phone has been ringing off the hook.

“(Men’s Basketball Coach) Billy Tubbs just called and said, ‘I am heartbroken about what is going on in this country today but I am really worried about Bill Koehler,’” Johnson said. “He has been here a long time. Everyone at this university knows him and they all respect him.”

Chancellor Michael Ferrari said Koehler was planning trips to meet with alumni in a number of cities regarding the University Curriculum Requirements. Those engagements have been canceled and not rescheduled.

Ferrari said all deans have been mobilized, and the university is prepared for Koehler’s absence. TCU is accustomed to operating without people around, he said.

“I do suggest people send cards, call and pray for him,” Ferrari said.

Slater said in light of Tuesday’s events his trip to TCU has been a memorable one for a number of reasons.

“This is one of the most caring places I have ever seen,” Slater said. “I think it says a lot that classes were canceled to allow students the opportunity to react to this situation and share in it.”

Jaime Walker
j.l.walker@student.tcu.edu