Alexander F. Schilt

Alexander Frank Schilt (March 4, 1941 – July 9, 2025) was an American academic and higher education administrator. He served as the first chancellor of Indiana University East, the second president of the University of Houston–Downtown, the 22nd president of Eastern Washington University, and the fourth chancellor of the University of Houston System.

Biography Schilt was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S. on March 4, 1941. His parents were Louis F. and Mary Alice ( Linton) Schilt, and he had two siblings, a brother Louie and a sister RoseMary. His father was an agricultural extension agent for Laramie County, Wyoming. The family moved to Laramie, Wyoming, in 1946 when Schilt's father was appointed director of the state extension service of the University of Wyoming. Schilt obtained his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wyoming in 1964. He then enrolled at Arizona State University, where he earned a master's degree in 1966 and a doctorate in 1969 in the field of psychology.

In 1970, Schilt was named dean of student services at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana.

Schilt was named chancellor of the University of Houston–Downtown, and assumed his duties on July 15, 1980. He was a finalist for the presidency of the University of Houston system in 1980, but was not chosen.

In March 1987, Schilt was appointed president of Eastern Washington University. with a three-year contract.

On August 31, 1989, Schilt was named chancellor of the four-campus University of Houston System. He had not sought the job, but his name was submitted for consideration by regents of the university.

After resigning as chancellor, Schilt remained a professor in the University of Houston College of Education, retiring in 2018.

Personal life and death Schilt was married and had two daughters, Paige and Kristen. He and his wife later divorced.

Schilt died on July 9, 2025 at the age of 84.

Accolades Schilt was awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle by the government of Mexico in September 1994.