MUNSTER | The former Purdue University Calumet chancellor who guided the university through swelling enrollment and increased independence died Sunday.

Richard J. Combs, 80, of Munster, led the school from 1975 to 1990. He joined the university in 1955. Combs died late Sunday morning after an illness.

"It was during his era ... that the university went from an extension campus to a regional university," said Wes Lukoshus, university spokesman. Lukoshus worked with Combs for years.

"He commanded a great deal of respect and -- as a result -- he was able to make some things happen."

Combs' legacy to the university centers on his leadership as the university gained "degree autonomy" from Purdue University in West Lafayette, said Chancellor Howard Cohen. Degree autonomy differentiated Purdue Calumet from the flagship school and let the university tailor programs to local needs, Cohen said.

Purdue Calumet enrollment grew from 5,200 to nearly 8,000 during Combs' chancellorship. The university expanded from 140 faculty members to 260 during Combs' term. The university added undergraduate degrees, master's degrees and university services under Combs. The campus added a fitness center and a computer education building, among other buildings, between 1975 and 1990.

Combs kept connected to the university after his retirement, including in Cohen's six years as chancellor, Cohen said.

"He was really just very generous, really committed to the university, intellectually vital," Cohen said.

Combs dealt prudently with university finances during the growing years, Lukoshus said.

"We didn't have a whole lot of money," Lukoshus said.

Combs was born in De Smet, S.D. He worked as a school teacher and administrator before joining Purdue Calumet as a math and science teacher. He served in administrative spots before taking the chancellorship in 1975.

Combs will be remembered as a committed chancellor with valuable local ties, Lukoshus said. He also will be remembered as a nice man, Lukoshus said.

"People in the community would tell you that he was a very friendly guy," he said.

Combs leaves behind a wife, Audrey, and two children. A daughter preceded him in death. Funeral plans are pending.