Former University of Wisconsin-Madison psychology professor Bryan Hendricks died Friday at the age of 66.

Hendricks was a professor in the UW-Madison psychology department for 12 years until an illness forced him to retire in 2012.

Earlier this year, the Princeton Review honored Hendricks as one of “The Best 300 Professors,” in the country, an annual ranking based on student reviews.

“Bryan recognized that the future lies with the students, and he did everything he could to prepare them for the challenges they would face post-graduation,” Patricia Devine, chair of the psychology department said in a university release.

In his research, Hendricks studied high school dropouts and predictors of academic success among the Hmong population in Wausau, Wis., according the statement. His research on childhood obesity also received national attention.

Hendrick’s family is not currently planning an immediate public memorial service, according to Devine.