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Longtime history professor dies after battle with cancer

By Grace Moody, News Editor

Andrew "Drew" R. L. Cayton, a longtime Miami University history professor, died Thursday, Dec. 17 after seven months battling cancer.

Cayton, who was 61 years old, taught at Miami for 25 years.

After his death, Wietse de Boer, history department chair, spoke of Cayton's commitment to education and his popularity among students.

One of those pupils, Miami alumnus Scott Barkett ('12), said Cayton had a huge impact on his students.

"From the first day he really cared about the teaching aspect of his job," Barkett said. "He really brought that passion to class every day."

Barkett said Cayton presented class material in an interesting way and always pushed students to learn more.

"He made you feel like a million bucks," Barkett said. "He was so talented that you wanted to seek his praise a little more."

In a tweet Miami President David Hodge wrote: "Deeply saddened by the death of Drew Cayton, the epitome of the teacher-scholar much beloved by students and colleagues."

Cayton's distinguished teaching career also took him to Harvard University and Wellesley College. This fall, Cayton moved to Ohio State University, where he was appointed the Warner Woodring Chair in Early American History.

"To the History Department, the College of Arts and Science, and the entire University, he gave tirelessly of his wisdom and warmth … A scholar's scholar, a teacher's teacher, a colleague, a friend, and a mentor: We will always remember Drew and what he gave Miami," de Boer wrote in a history department memo.

Cayton is survived by his wife Mary Kupiec Cayton, who also worked in Miami's history department, and their two daughters Elizabeth and Hannah.

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A memorial service for Cayton will be held 2 p.m. Monday at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Oxford.

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