Dale Wesley Lick (born June 1, 1933) is an American mathematician, professor and college president at three universities.

He was an instructor and chairman of the department of mathematics for a year before moving to California to begin work on his doctorate and teach at the University of Redlands from 1961 to 1963.

[3] Lick completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Brookhaven National Laboratory from 1967 until 1968, and returned to Tennessee as an associate professor for a year.

While at UT, Lick also served as a scientific consultant to the US Atomic Energy Commission in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Lick knew he would need an exceptional head coach to be successful, and everyone he talked to told him Erk Russell would be great.

The college was able to provide an acceptable compensation package, the community pledged their financial support, and the coach signed on.

[2] Lick was invested as president of Florida State University in 1991 and during his tenure, he is credited with beginning construction of the University Center, the installation of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, establishment of the FSU London Study Center and a revived emphasis on diversity and women in hiring.

He made the above quote and followed it up with: "All you need to do is turn to the NCAA playoffs in basketball to see that the bulk of the players on those outstanding teams are black.

"[8] Students, faculty, the chancellor and other officials criticized the president, saying his comments were "insensitive and showed poor judgment".

Initially considered the leading candidate, his popularity took a nosedive when the Detroit Free Press repeated Licks statements from 1989.

They were puzzled why he considered leaving immediately before FSU began the biggest donor campaign in the school's history.

Lick had failed to notify the University Chancellor Charles Reed before flying to Michigan twice within one week to interview.

Both the Chancellor and a committee of Regents were tasked with evaluating Lick's performance and his standing with faculty, alumni and boosters.

"[9] Al Lawson, a State Representative from Tallahassee, insisted that Lick "might not have fit in with some of the good ol' boys network, but you couldn't ask for a person of more quality."

[9] One newspaper noted the irony that Lick was rejected at Michigan State by black members of the community who viewed the 1989 remarks as racist.

While I am disappointed that I will no longer be able to lead all its efforts, I am pleased that I will remain at Florida State in a faculty position and continue to contribute to its future."

His name is included in more than 50 international and national biography listings and published over 100 research articles, 285 newspaper columns and eight books.

While her father Dale was FSU president, Diana completed a MSW degree and Ron was a golf professional.

A bronze statue and plaque were placed in front of the Stone College of Education building on the Tallahassee campus in honor of his years as president, part of Legacy Walk III.