Cornelius J. Pings, 75; Former Provost at USC Oversaw Gains in Academic Programs

Cornelius J. Pings, former USC provost and a past president of the Assn. of American Universities, has died. He was 75.

Pings died Monday of cancer at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital, USC announced.

Pings was USC’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs from 1981 to 1993. In his position, he oversaw the academic and research programs in the university’s schools and libraries, as well as student affairs and community and governmental relations.

“He was chief academic officer at this university in a decade remarkable for its gains in academic quality,” USC President Steven B. Sample said in a statement.

In 1993, Pings was awarded USC’s highest honor, the Presidential Medallion, for “his years of insightful and dedicated leadership that have left an enduring mark on the academic life of USC.”

That same year, he became president of the Assn. of American Universities, a group based in Washington, D.C., that represents the nation’s 60 major research universities. From 1987 to 1989, Pings headed an ad hoc committee for the association that undertook a major review of the indirect costs associated with federal support of research on university campuses.

Pings also served on three National Research Council committees that addressed topics such as the management of research on the International Space Station and the teaching of undergraduate science and mathematics.

A Pasadena resident who was born in Conrad, Mont., Pings went to USC from Caltech, where he had earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees. He was an assistant professor at Stanford University before joining the Caltech faculty in 1959 and was Caltech’s vice provost and dean of graduate studies from 1970 to 1981.

Pings was active in civic affairs and, among other things, served several years on the Pasadena Redevelopment Agency, including acting as chairman from 1974 to 1981, and had a leadership role in the Los Angeles Central City Assn. He served on many corporate boards and in several capacities with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Pings is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marjorie; his son, John; and his daughters, Anne and Mary.

Donations may be sent to the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital, 1441 Eastlake Ave., Room 8302, Los Angeles, CA 90033-1048.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.