Former Michigan Director of Athletics Joe Roberson Passes Away at 84
1/14/2020 10:30:00 AM | General
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Former University of Michigan director of athletics M. Joseph (Joe) Roberson died peacefully at his home Monday (Jan. 13) in Grand Blanc, Michigan. He was 84.
Roberson, U-M's eighth athletic director, served in that role from 1994-97 before retiring in August 1997 following 31 dedicated years of service to the University.
U-M athletic teams claimed 17Â conference championships during his tenure, but Roberson is best known for hiring Lloyd Carr as head football coach in 1995, setting the stage for the Wolverines' national championship season in 1997. Two U-M teams claimed national championships during his tenure, as men's swimming and diving took home the title in 1995 and ice hockey claimed the title in 1996 (and again in 1998).
Roberson (right) with former U-M president James Duderstadt
He also hired current Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics Warde Manuel, beginning his ascent to the top chair.
Roberson's contributions to the University reach far beyond athletics. Among his many roles, Roberson served as a professor of education at UM-Flint before positions of dean for students (1966-80), vice chancellor (1980-83) and interim chancellor (1983-84). In Ann Arbor, he served as the head of corporate fundraising (1984-89) and associate vice president and executive director of the $1 billion Campaign for Michigan before his role as athletic director.
Roberson and his late wife, Barbara Perry Roberson, boasted six U-M degrees. Joe attended UM-Flint, where he received his undergraduate degree (1958) and then went on to earn a master's degree (1963) and doctorate (1970) at U-M's Ann Arbor campus.
An accomplished athlete himself, Roberson played professional baseball in the Brooklyn Dodgers' organization from 1953-58.
Joe and Barbara were happily married for 34 years, during which time they had two children, Kimberly and Marvin. Barbara passed away in 1989. In her honor and memory, Joe created the Barbara Perry Roberson Fellowship, an endowed scholarship specifically for women graduate students in the Department of Psychology.
Five years after Barbara's passing, in 1994, Joe married Carolyn Conklin Black Roberson. Joe and Carolyn both enjoyed cheering on Michigan student-athletes until they retired to Florida, where they lived happily until her death in 2013. Joe created the Carolyn Conklin Black Roberson Scholarship for English students, established in her honor at Eastern Michigan University.
Visitation hours will take place Friday (Jan. 17) from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday (Jan. 18) at 11 a.m. at Hill Funeral Home in Grand Blanc (11723 South Saginaw St.).
Q U O T E S
James Duderstadt
Former U-M President (1988-96)
"Joe Roberson was one of the University's most dedicated, hard-working and versatile leaders. He not only served as a leading administrator at both UM-Flint and UM-Ann Arbor, but he led our development activities in the late 1980s, helping to launch the University's first billion-dollar campaign, actually achieving $1.5 billion, then as our athletic director, not only achieving leadership with integrity in many programs including national championships in men's swimming and ice hockey, and he was particularly instrumental in stimulating and building Michigan's strong program in women's athletics.
"He was also characterized by great wisdom, loyalty to the University, and a sense of humor that was valuable when we joined together to fight the many political battles necessary to support the institution, its programs and its students.
"We must honor his memory and his impact on the University over a long and dedicated career. He will be missed."
Warde Manuel
U-M Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics
"The loss of Joe Roberson marks an especially sad day for me. Joe hired me here at the University of Michigan when I returned to Ann Arbor to get my doctorate. He could be considered my first major mentor. He believed in the student-athlete model with 'student' as the most important factor in participation. When Joe spoke, he did not mince words; he was straightforward and fair. Michigan is grateful for his service and so am I. He will be missed by me and by many."
Carol Hutchins
Softball Head Coach
"Joe was an educator first! He was all about the student in the athlete, and he worked very hard to ensure ALL of the athletes at Michigan had the resources to succeed in the classroom. He was a gentle giant of a man!"
Red Berenson
Former U-M Ice Hockey Head Coach (1984-2017), Current Special Assistant to the AD
"Joe was an athletic director who communicated well with the coaches and cared about the student-athletes. He gained their respect and confidence and did that in a short while. Though he had to make major decisions during his tenure, he did it in a quiet way. I remember Joe's excitement when we won the national championship in 1996. Even though he was a baseball player, you could tell he was excited about our team and all our sports at the University of Michigan."
Roberson (left) with Michigan's 1995 NCAA men's swimming and diving championship team
Mike Stevenson
Former U-M Executive Associate Athletic Director (1975-2010)
"I am saddened to hear of the death of Joe Roberson. He was a giant of a man with a cutting sense of humor and a strong leader of the department. Joe's legacy as director of athletics, in my opinion, was his wisdom to promote Lloyd Carr from acting to head football coach.
"Joe also highly valued the 'student' in the term "student-athlete." He strongly advocated for student-athlete initiatives. In addition, Joe also was supportive of staff development in the department, indicated by a major initiative in April 1996 to reorganize the staff to create an opportunity to develop additional management and professional skills.
"An outstanding athlete in his own right, Joe pitched in the high minor leagues and won several State of Michigan Paddleball Championships."
Jon Urbanchek
Former U-M Men's Swimming Head Coach (1982-2004)
"Joe's legacy at Michigan was his commitment to our student-athletes improving in all facets of life. He accompanied our team for the NCAA Championships to Indianapolis in 1995. When we won the title, you could see the excitement and pride. It was Joe's first NCAA championship as the director of athletics, and we were proud to have him with us. On hearing of his passing, I was saddened, but the memory of the 1995 NCAA title and Joe being with us made me smile."
