The Empty Office: Mourning a Spartan Guiding Light

The campus and community of Michigan State University (MSU) are engulfed in profound sorrow following the shocking and unexpected passing of Professor Marilyn Amey, an esteemed and beloved faculty member. Based in Okemos, Michigan, Dr. Amey was a distinguished Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education whose contributions transcended the classroom, touching the lives of countless students, colleagues, and staff. Her sudden, unannounced departure leaves an immense, unfillable void in the College of Education, where her wisdom, leadership, and kindness were constants.

A Scholar’s Legacy: Mentor, Leader, and Inspiration

Dr. Marilyn Amey was renowned not only for her extensive scholarship in educational partnerships and leadership development but also for her deep commitment to mentoring. She held key administrative roles, including Assistant Provost of Faculty and Academic Staff Development, demonstrating a tireless dedication to cultivating the professional growth of her colleagues. The overwhelming sense of loss now felt across MSU is a direct measure of the positive impact she made—a life lived with purpose, intellect, and grace. To lose such a vital leader and teacher shockingly and without warning is an anguish that is profoundly felt by the generations of students and mentees whose careers and lives she shaped.

An Anchor in Remembrance: Carrying Forward Her Mission

In the face of this immense tragedy, the MSU community must rally together to support Professor Amey’s family and honor her unparalleled contributions. To truly commemorate Marilyn Amey is to embody the spirit of generous mentorship, collaboration, and dedication to education that defined her decades-long career. The university community is called to draw on her legacy of strength and professional commitment during this difficult time. May the collective support of the Spartan family serve as an essential anchor, providing solace and strength to her loved ones as they strive to cherish the memory of their beloved professor and esteemed colleague.