He was the first African American to become president of a large white university, C.E.O. of a major corporation and deputy secretary of state. Deaths (Obituaries), Michigan State University, State University of New York, State Department, Black People, Wharton Jr., Clifford R., TIAA He was the first African American to become president of a large white university, C.E.O. of a major corporation and deputy secretary of state. NYT > Business