college of education | fall 2003

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In Memoriam

Wilbur Brookover, a longtime professor of sociology, social studies, education and urban and metropolitan studies and former mayor of East Lansing, died April 6, 2003, at the age of 92. Among his many accomplishments in a distinguished research career was serving as an expert witness in the school desegregation case of Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. He also hired MSU’s first black secretary, Josephine Wharton. Dr. Brookover was also active in politics, serving as mayor of East Lansing from 1971 to 1975. At MSU, he joined the faculty in 1946 after serving in the United States Navy. Among his many duties at MSU, he served as director of the Bureau of Educational Research (1957–60), assistant dean of the College of Education (1960–63), and associate director of the Center for Urban Affairs (1970–73). He was the author, co-author, and co-editor of four books, including the influential Sociology of Education.

Marvin Grandstaff died August 28, 2003, of colon cancer. He was 68. Dr. Grandstaff joined what was then known as the Department of Secondary Education and Curriculum at MSU in 1966. He spent more than 30 years on the faculty, retiring in 2001.

Donald Leu died November 30, 2002. He was 79. Dr. Leu was a professor of administration and higher education at the College of Education from 1954 to 1968. In 1957, he served as the deputy superintendent of education for the state of Michigan He later served as dean of education schools at San Jose State University and Portland State University.

Ruth Useem died September 10, 2003, at her home in East Lansing. She was 88. Dr. Useem was a professor emeritus of education and sociology at MSU, where she held several faculty positions during her 33-year career. She joined the faculty in the Department of Teacher Education in 1970 and remained in the College of Education until her retirement in 1985.
 


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