Lewis was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island, the son of an insurance salesman who only had an eight grade education.
[3] He initially did not maintain an interest in higher education, dropping out of North Carolina State University without graduating.
He is also credited with playing many key and decisive roles in transforming the school into a nationally prominent institution.
Lewis has been widely credited with overseeing an enormous advance of the institution in curriculum, faculty and student achievement, as well as national standing and recognition.
The Lewis Quad, is a set of buildings on the campus of St. Mary's College of Maryland, which are named in his honor.