Hugh Ayer, 90, Professor Emeritus of history and former associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, died July 14 in Denton. Ayer taught American history at North Texas from 1958 to 1986. His duties included serving as chair of the division of social science and, in 2004, he received the Honorary Alumni Award, given to individuals who were never students at UNT but showed outstanding devotion to the university. A scholarship was set up in his name that supports entering freshmen. Ayer was active in many organizations outside UNT, serving on the Denton City Council and Planning and Zoning Board. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and his master’s degree and doctorate from Indiana University. He taught at Culver Military Academy before coming to North Texas. As a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1943 to 1945, he served as a radio operator in the Pacific Theater, intercepting Japanese naval communications. He also served in the reserve from 1950 to 1959.