Wichita State University President, Dr. John Bardo died Tuesday after battling a chronic lung condition, university officials confirm. He was 70 years old.

At Wichita State, he guided several initiatives partnering the university with the local business community and expanding STEM-based programs. With Bardo at the helm, Wichita State began construction and continued expansion of the Innovation Campus.

He became the university's 13th president in July 2012. In just a few years, Wichita State says he

"He transformed the vision of the university, leading it through a period of rapid growth focused on applied learning for students and the economic growth of the region,"

The university says "Dr. Bardo was an innovator, nationally recognized scholar and deep believer in the value of public research universities.

He suffered from the chronic lung condition for months, first entering the hospital in November.

"After spending several weeks in rehabilitation at home, he returned to Wesley (hospital) last weekend," the university says.

Dr. Bardo is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deborah Bardo and their son, Christopher.

The university says funeral services will be private, but there will be a Celebration of Life event this spring on campus for the WSU and Wichita community.

"Wichita State would like to extend an invitation to anyone wanting to share their memories, bring cards or sign notes of remembrance to come by the President’s Office, Morrison Hall, Room 203 during office hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) this Wednesday through Friday," the university says.

Message from Richard Muma, Provost and Acting President at Wichita State: