Early Life and Education

Archie Reece Dykes was born on January 20, 1931, in Rogersville, Tennessee, to Claude Reed Dykes and Rose Quillen.

He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in education from East Tennessee State University in 1952 and 1956, respectively.

He later received his doctorate in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1959.

Early Career

Dykes began his career in education in 1955 as principal of Church Hill High School in Marshall County.

In 1959, he became superintendent of Greenville City Schools.

By 1962, he was appointed director of the University of Tennessee Center for Advanced Graduate Studies in Education.

Chancellorship at UT Martin

Dykes served as the third executive officer of UT Martin from 1967 to 1971, following Dr. Paul Meek’s retirement.

Later Career and Accomplishments

In 1971, Dykes returned to Knoxville before becoming chancellor of the University of Kansas in 1973.

He served as chancellor until 1980, then transitioned into the corporate sector as CEO of the Security Benefit Group of Topeka.

Since 1988, he has served as chairman of Capital City Holdings Inc.