Dr. William R. Lucas served as Marshall Space Flight Center Director from June 15, 1974 until July 3, 1986, when he retired after thirty-four years of civil service. Prior to the appointment, Lucas served as Center Deputy Director (1971-1974), Program Development Director (1968-1971), Astronautics Laboratory Director (1966-1968), and Propulsion and Vehicle Laboratory Director (1960-1966).