James Earl Danieley, president emeritus of Elon University and who was considered to be a strong advocate for higher education, has died. He was 92.

A statement from the school said Danieley died at his home in Burlington on Tuesday.

Danieley served as dean of the college before being named the sixth president of then-Elon College in 1957 at age 32, making him one of the youngest college presidents in the nation at the time. During his 16-year term, he guided campus improvements in academic standards and faculty credentials.

Danieley retired from the presidency in 1973 and returned to teaching. He served as director of planned giving from 1987 to 1992 before going back to the classroom. He retired last spring.

Details of Danieley’s funeral service are not complete.