Juan Romero, a history professor at WKU, died in early June after becoming ill in the fall, according to a statement released by WKU’s Department of History. 

Romero took medical leave during the spring semester with the intention to return during the upcoming fall semester, but ultimately decided to retire at the end of June, the statement said. 

“Juan was a kind and generous soul who cared deeply for his students, his colleagues, and his family,” Potter College of Arts and Letters Dean Terrance Brown said in an email sent to faculty and staff. “His passion for teaching and scholarship in history touched the lives of many and will continue to resonate throughout our institution.

According to WKU’s website, Romero taught a Middle East survey course and topic courses including the History of Iraq, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, History of Iran and History of Terrorism. 

His research focused on revolutionary movements in the Middle East. Romero released a book based on his research titled “The Iraqi Revolution of 1958: A Revolutionary Quest for Unity and Security” in 2010, according to WKU’s website.

“I am profoundly grateful for Juan’s selfless contributions to our college and for the legacy he leaves behind,” Brown said.