Former Chair of NMU Board of Trustees Passes

Dr. Doug Roberts, former chair of the NMU Board of Trustees. He was a member of the board from 2002-10, serving as vice chair 2007-08 and chair 2009-10. He died on July 11 after a battle with cancer.

Roberts had a prolific professional career in the field of economics, including twice serving as Michigan's treasurer under then Gov. John Engler and as deputy treasurer for Governors William Milliken and Jim Blanchard. He held many positions within the state government's administration over decades of public service

"While I did not have the opportunity to get to know Doug, since coming to NMU I have heard many within our community mention him and his time on the board. It seems all who knew him liked and admired him, which says a lot about the man," said Brock Tessman, president of NMU.

While Roberts was a member of the NMU Board of Trustees, Northern had major renovations on the Art and Design, Hedgcock, Thomas Fine Arts and Whitman buildings. As board chair, he was instrumental in assisting the NMU leadership team navigate the financial challenges of the 2008 recession, especially those related to state funding; engaging NMU in campus strategic and succession planning; and restructuring the board's voting process for committee recommendations.

"I know I speak for the entire University community when I say that our thoughts are with the Roberts family and Doug's friends and colleagues, including those here at Northern," said Tessman.

You can read his full obituary here. A memorial service is being planned to be held in East Lansing in August. Northern will work with the family to find a date to lower the NMU flag in Doug's honor. In memory of Doug the family is accepting donations to Northern Michigan University Foundation, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.