Dear Members of the Western History Association,

With sadness and heartfelt sympathy, I regretfully write to inform you that Dr. Quintard Taylor, Scott and Dorothy Bullitt Professor Emeritus of American History at the University of Washington and a former WHA President, died yesterday. 

Dr. Taylor made significant contributions to the field of western history and the WHA over the last five decades. In addition to his many publications and founding the BlackPast.org, he presented his work at numerous conferences, served as chair and commentator of sessions, published in the Western Historical Quarterly, and lent his time to the WHA Council, as well as the Sara Jackson Graduate Student Award Committee and multiple Program Committees. He was awarded with Honorary Lifetime Membership in 2005.

In 2011, Dr. Taylor served as the WHA's first Black President, presiding over the WHA in its fiftieth year as an organization. At the Oakland Conference, he organized the first Presidential Plenary. This event is now a highlight of the WHA's annual conference. 

I corresponded with Quintard in June, when he made generous comments about the WHA. In closing he lamented about not being at the Albuquerque conference, remarking, "Needless to say, I really believe in the work of the WHA."

The WHA benefited immensely from Dr. Taylor, and he will be sorely missed throughout the association as a scholar, friend, and colleague.

I invite you to read this message, published by his colleagues at BlackPast.org, to learn more about Dr. Taylor's career and impact. 

Sincerely,

Elaine Nelson, WHA Executive Director