Bernard J. Pitts, assistant vice president for student life, emeritus and former executive director of the K-State Student Union, died Dec. 6, 2023.

Pitts served as the executive director of the Union from 1995-2011 and proved oversight for the 1998-2000 student enhancement and renovation project. The project created a user-friendly new look, feel, and contemporary design to the Union. Program venues and conference/meeting spaces were refreshed, as well as major infrastructure upgrades, modernized restrooms and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements. Other enhancements included a food court featuring major national branded concepts; Multicultural Student Organizations and Greek Affairs office spaces; embellished art gallery and the revitalization of the recreation/bowling center.

Under Pitts’ leadership, the Union extended outreach services and programs to other parts of campus and the community. His vision included establishing the Little Apple Jazz Festival, the Union Governing Board (UGB) part-time student scholarship, Union staff recognition award program, the Vision Award program, the Friends of the Union foundation fund and meeting rooms that featured ethnic themes that recognized Kansas and K-State artists. He took pride creating spaces and supporting programs that were welcoming, engaging and represented excellence, work that was exemplified by his early support for a dedicated multicultural student center at K-State.

As the Assistant Vice President of Student Life, Pitts provided leadership to the K-State Center for Child Development and K-State Recreational Services during which both entities underwent new and renovation building construction.

Pitts served two terms on the executive committee of the Association of College Unions-International (ACUI) and was president from 1996-97. He was recognized for his service to the College Union Ideal in 2005 as the recipient of the highest honor given by ACUI, the prestigious Butts-Whiting Award. Pitts received the Union’s Vision Award in 2019.

Community volunteer involvement activities of Pitts included the First Tee of Manhattan Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Board of Governors, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership program, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce committees, HBCUs HONDA All Star Challenge Advisory board and the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity/Research Board of Directors.

Memorial service information is not available at this time.