DAMARISCOTTA (AP) -Arthur Mengies Johnson, a former president of the University of Maine at Orono known as an educator who brought the school together during transitional times, has died. He was 83.

Johnson, who served as the university president from 1984 to 1986, died Saturday at his home, according to family members. A burial service was scheduled for Wednesday at the Castine Cemetery. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Johnson came to the University of Maine as a visiting professor of history in 1968 after teaching at the U.S. Naval Academy and the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

Johnson served as a professor of history from 1970 to 1986 and agreed to become the university’s 14th president after the resignation of Paul Silverman in the spring of 1984. The period was marked by tensions between university’s faculty and administration, according to campus officials.

During his term as president, Johnson was known for his quiet diplomacy and strong respect for students and faculty, colleagues said. During a student sit-in, he negotiated with students for a peaceful resolution, Assistant to the President Bob Whelan said.

“His choice to handle it cordially rather than confrontationally was key,” Whelan said. “I thought he had a lot of respect for students, and a lot of enthusiasm for them. When he was near them, he seemed to feed off their energy.”

Johnson’s wife of 50 years, Emily Johnson, said her husband enjoyed creating peace where there had been dissent.

“He really enjoyed all the different factions at the university,” she said. “You want to keep the students happy. You want to keep the faculty happy. You want to keep the alumni happy. He enjoyed working with all those people.”

A public memorial service will be held.