His family said he had had a long struggle with cancer.
Acker was president of the university from 1975 to 1986. He followed James McCain and was succeeded in the position by Jon Wefald.
In his tenure, Acker established the provost position, united the women’s and men’s athletic programs as one department, raised money for Bramlage Coliseum and oversaw the football team’s first postseason bowl game in 85 years.
