Michael Schwartz, Ph.D

Michael Schwartz, Ph.D., of Bratenhal, Ohio, passed away on January 2, 2024. He was 86. Dr. Schwartz leaves a legacy of leadership in education and of commitment to the role of universities in protecting freedom and democracy. Born in Chicago on July 29, 1937, he was the eldest of two sons of the late Norman and Lillian Schwartz (Ruttenberg). Dr. Schwartz is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Dr. Joanne Rand Schwartz, his brother Edward Schwartz of Tucson, AZ; his three children, Monica Ann James of San Diego, CA; Kenneth David Schwartz, J.D. (Laura Rae Schwartz, J.D., daughter-in-law), of Florida; Rachel Lynn Jones Ed.D., of Reminderville, OH, as well as stepson Richard Glenn Gamble of Charlotte, N.C. Dr. Schwartz was blessed with 11 grandchildren and step grandchildren. 

Dr. Schwartz was educated in the Chicago public schools and then at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At the University of Illinois, he earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree in 1958 in psychology with a minor in sociology, a masters degree at the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations in 1959, and a Ph.D. in sociology with a concentration in social-psychology in 1962. Following his Ph.D., Dr. Schwartz was a professor of sociology and psychology at Wayne State University for two years before joining the faculty of Indiana University at Bloomington in 1964 where he was also appointed Associate Dean of Undergraduate Development. In 1970, Dr. Schwartz accepted a position at Florida Atlantic University as chair of the department of sociology and social psychology. While at FAU he won a Distinguished Teacher Award in 1971 and was appointed as Dean of the College of Social Science. Dr. Schwartz moved to Kent State University in 1976 as Vice President of Graduate Studies and Research. After a brief period as interim President, he was appointed as KSU’s Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, and then he was promoted to Provost two years later. In 1982, Dr. Schwartz was named the ninth President of Kent State University. 

While KSU’s President, Dr. Schwartz presided over the creation and dedication of the campus memorial to the events of the American tragedy of May 4, 1970, which many observers believe was the beginning of the end of the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Dr. Schwartz is also credited with laying the foundation for the re-birth of KSU as a leading institution and center for academic excellence and research in Ohio and the nation. Other notable achievements during his presidency included the opening of the Glenn H. Brown Liquid Crystal Institute, the Kent State University Museum of Fashion, The Shannon Rodgers/Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, and the Athletic Field House. Dr. Schwartz always maintained his passion for teaching and even taught statistics while President of KSU. He decided to return to his full-time passion of teaching and research in 1991 as Trustees Professor and President Emeritus KSU. The KSU student services building was named for him in 1991. 

After advising doctoral candidates and teaching graduate courses in higher education administration for a decade, in 2001 Dr. Schwartz was invited to be interim President at Cleveland State University. He said that he accepted that role in large part to see if his teaching and writing “was making sense in the real world of higher education.” While interim President, Dr. Schwartz often said that he became incredibly impressed by the CSU faculty and students. When he was invited to remain as the permanent President in November of 2001, he accepted and remained in office at CSU for eight years. Dr. Schwartz oversaw what many regard as a CSU renaissance turning the university and its campus into an education, community, arts and economic center for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.  He retired in 1991 to again pursue teaching and writing as President Emeritus and Trustees’ Professor. Upon his retirement, the University Library at Cleveland State was renamed The Michael Schwartz Library, which he personally regarded as the greatest honor he had ever received. 

A man of remarkable intellect, Dr. Schwartz was the author or co-author of about sixty books and articles in professional journals. He was especially proud to be a co-author of significant publications with the late Professor Sheldon Stryker of Indiana University, and with Professor William Milton Bowen of CSU. Dr. Schwartz was the recipient of three honorary doctorates and had been inducted into The Garfield Society at Hiram College. He served on the boards of directors of many non-profit organizations, and he served in the past as a member of the board of trustees at Central State University, Northeast Ohio College of Medicine (now NEOMED), and most recently The Cleveland Institute of Art where he had also served as Chair of the Board and was recently named Trustee Emeritus. Recently in November 2023 Dr. Schwartz was inducted into the CSU Law Hall of Fame.

A celebration of his life is planned for a later date. There will be no religious service, as late in his life, Dr. Schwartz concluded: “The quest for truth is my religion, and the university is my church.” The family requests that all well-wishers make contributions to the CSU Foundation’s Annual Fund (https://www.supportcsu.org/give-today) or the Kent State Foundation’s Annual Fund (www.kent.edu/philanthropy/annual-fund).  May Michael Schwartz’s wisdom and legacy continue to inspire generations.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Dr. Schwartz's family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com

Michael Schwartz, past president of Kent State University and Cleveland State University, dies at 86

Michael Schwartz, Kent State’s Ninth President, Dies at 86