EAST LANSING (AP) — Merritt Norvell Jr., the first Black athletic director at Michigan State, has died. He was 79.

A spokesman at the University of Nevada confirmed Wednesday that football coach Jay Norvell, who is Merritt Norvell’s son, took some time away from the team because of his father’s death. He left Reno on Monday to go to Michigan and was expected back either Wednesday night or this morning.

Norvell was appointed to Michigan State’s AD spot in 1995 and served until 1999.

“The thoughts of the entire Michigan State Athletics family are with the family and friends of Merritt Norvell,” said Bill Beekman, Michigan State’s current AD, in a statement.

Michigan State reached the Final Four in volleyball, hockey and men’s basketball during Norvell’s tenure.

Norvell graduated from Wisconsin in 1963 after playing on the team that reached that year’s Rose Bowl.