(CBS-DETROIT) – Joel Ferguson, a well-known Michigan developer and former trustee of Michigan State University, has died at the age of 85.
Michigan State University confirmed his death on Saturday.
Ferguson served as a trustee from 1987 to 1995 and from 1997 to 2020, according to the school. He developed 14 multi-family residential buildings throughout Michigan.
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, Board of Trustees Chairman Dan Kelly and athletic director Alan Haller released a joint statement on Ferguson’s death, saying in part:
“In addition to MSU, he was a civil rights leader, a successful businessman and community leader and a strong supporter of the Lansing area. His legacy will be strong and everlasting for our Spartan community.”
During the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal Ferguson showed support for the then-president of Michigan State UniversityLou Anna K. Simon.
Ferguson graduated from the school in 1965 with an elementary education degree, was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a lifelong member of the NAACP.
According to White House archives, he was appointed to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) by former President Bill Clinton in 1996.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also released a statement on his passing:
“Today we mourn the loss of Joel Ferguson. A good man, a Lansing legend and a proud Spartan, he was a friend to many during his decades of service. He built homes, managed his beloved alma mater MSU on the board of supervision, and served his country in uniform as a United States Marine. Joel not only invested in his community, but he embodied its core values. “He made Michigan a better place, and I was proud of him.” family friend. My thoughts are with his family and with all those who were fortunate to know him, work with him and learn from him.”
