Larry Wade, chairman of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, died Sunday in Oklahoma City. He was 72.

Wade , an Elk City native, was the publisher of the Elk City Daily News, a former president of the Oklahoma Press Association and Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation, a former mayor of Elk City and president of the local chamber of commerce, and an active member in leadership roles of the local Kiwanis Club, arts council and United Methodist Church, according to his biography on the university's website.

He also endowed several scholarships at OU, his alma mater, and was a member of the Pride of Oklahoma marching band.

"Oklahoma has lost one of its most dedicated citizen leaders," OU President David Boren said in a news release. "As an active alumnus and regent for the University of Oklahoma, he was a champion for students. His first priority was more scholarships for students to give all an opportunity to learn.

"Larry Wade was a loyal friend and a valued adviser to me for over 40 years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Former Gov. Brad Henry appointed Wade to a seven-year term on the OU Board of Regents in 2004.

"Along with being a loving husband and father, he ( Wade ) was the ultimate OU fan," Dr. John M. Bell, the board's vice chairman, said in a news release. " Larry 's concern and involvement at all three universities governed by our board will be missed."

Wade 's involvement in the myriad government, academic, community and religious activities to which he was dedicated spoke volumes about the man he was, Oklahoma Press Association President Mark Thomas said. His dedication to journalism in the state at all levels was particularly strong.

"The OSU (Oklahoma State University) journalism school wanted to have a fundraiser last year to get matching money from the (T. Boone) Pickens fund," Thomas said. "And LarryWade , the chairman of the OU Board of Regents, made the motion to raise more money for the OSU journalism school. He just believed in it that much. It didn't matter to him who got the credit or how it was done."

Wade is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, and daughter, Mary Elizabeth, according to the press association website.

Services are pending with Whinery-Savage Funeral Service in Elk City.