Jack Simms, the first chair of Auburn's journalism department, has died, according to the program's Facebook page.
"It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Jack Simms died this morning," the post reads. "He was the staunchest advocate for the journalism program and the first chair of the department."
Simms was editor of The Auburn Plainsman during his senior year at Auburn in 1949.
In 1951, he began a career in Atlanta with The Associated Press as a reporter and editor. He went on to serve as bureau chief for Kentucky and New England and as deputy general sports editor in New York.
Simms made one last appearance at Auburn on Saturday as he was one of several veterans recognized during Saturday’s Auburn football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated Jack Simms was 90 years old. Simms had recently celebrated his 90th birthday, but had not yet turned 90. He was 89.
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