Col. Alexander H. Morrison, professor emeritus and former chairman of the Department of Economics, died April 8, 2012 at the age of 95 in Lexington.

Originally from Luray, Virginia, Col. Morrison joined the VMI faculty upon his graduation from the Institute in 1939 with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, and served continuously for the next 42 years, except for periods of military service and graduate studies. He was a member of the faculty of the department of History and Economics before a separate Department of Economics was established in 1961.

Morrison's life-long association with the Institute was perhaps cemented a century before his graduation when his great-grandfather, Francis H. Smith, became the first superintendent of VMI.

During his career as a cadet, Morrison served in ranks from private to lieutenant, was a member of the editorial staff of the Cadet newspaper, was a member of the business staff of the Bomb yearbook, and was a member of the 2nd Class finance committee. He was designated an academically distinguished graduate.

He was the founding head of the Department of Economics, and served as department head for 12 years until 1973. He was a guiding force in the development of the economics curriculum and the department's transition to a degree-granting department in 1963. He served on numerous Institute committees and especially in the formation of the first cadet publications board, and served as faculty advisor for the Bomb.

His academic career was interrupted by World War II service in the South Pacific and by service with the ROTC detachment at the Citadel during the Korean War. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 1959.

During Christmas 1975 he married Josephine Witherspoon Rogers in New York City. In the Lexington community, he was responsible for establishing the original cancer run, which has become the Relay for Life. Working with the Red Cross he was instrumental in establishing community blood drives. Col. Morrison was also active in a local Boy Scout troop, a supporter of Camps for the Blind Children, and an active member of R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church.

According to a resolution by the VMI Board of Visitors upon his retirement in 1981, Col. Morrison was "a man of thoroughness and high professional competence, enhanced by personal qualities of integrity and humanity. Colonel Morrison has earned the highest respect and admiration of all who have been privileged over the years to know and work with him."

A memorial service will be held in R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 14. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to The Rockbridge Area Free Clinic, Rockbridge Area Hospice or the National Camps for Blind Children, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506-0097.

He is survived by his widow, Josephine Witherspoon Rogers Morrison and his sister, Anne Morton Morrison of Luray.