In Tribute

It is with great sadness that the university learned of the passing of Joel I. Ferguson, who served on the MSU Board of Trustees from 1987 to 1995 and from 1997 to 2020. Ferguson was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1986, served 12 years as chair and was the second longest serving trustee in MSU history. He brought with him a wealth of experience, including serving on the board of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, cofounder of F & S Development Company and the developer of 14 multi-family residential complexes throughout Michigan, as well as the owner and developer of many major office buildings in the Lansing area. He also was the cofounder of Lansing television station WFSL-TV (Channel 47) and the founder of Lansing’s WLAJ-TV (Channel 53) television station. One of the original organizers of Capitol National Bank, Ferguson was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, graduated from Sexton High School in 1956 and from MSU in 1965 with a degree in elementary education.

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“On behalf of Michigan State University, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of former Board of Trustees Chair Joel Ferguson. Joel was a champion for our beloved university, serving on the Board for more than 30 years. He advocated for improved access for minority students, worked collectively with those he didn’t always agree with personally to advance projects and the university forward and was a strong supporter of MSU Athletics. Beyond MSU, he was a civil rights leader, successful businessman and community leader and a strong proponent for the Lansing area. His legacy will be strong and everlasting on our Spartan community.”

– MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly and Athletic Director Alan Haller

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“Without Joel Ferguson, there would be no Tom Izzo. At a crucial point in my career, when others were ready for a change, Joel stood beside me and encouraged me to believe in myself and stick to the plan. I know he did the same for countless others who’ve positively impacted our great University. Joel always did what he thought was in the best interests of Michigan State, even if it meant being criticized from the outside.

"Although he was a strong Democrat, he had no issue working with Republicans on the Board when it came to advancing Michigan State forward. I will miss the many late-night talks with his scouting reports on our opponents. To say Joel Ferguson was one of a few important mentors and friends would be an understatement."

"I will always be searching for the next Joel! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those who loved him. I will miss Joel and his friendship, but I take solace remembering his incredible impact on Michigan State University.”

– Michigan State men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo

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“Today, we mourn the loss of Joel Ferguson. A good man, Lansing legend, and proud Spartan, he was a friend to so many over his decades of service."

"He built homes, stewarded his beloved alma mater MSU on the board of trustees, and served his nation 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 to call him a longtime family friend. My thoughts are with his family and all those who were lucky enough to know him, work alongside him, and learn from him.” 

– Governor Gretchen Whitmer

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“I'm devastated to hear about the passing of my mentor, Lansing businessman and the incomparable Joel Ferguson. Many kids have heroes they never get to meet, but I was fortunate to have two: my father at home and Joel, who lived right in my community. His influence on my life was a true gift, and I am forever grateful for the time he shared with me - broadening my horizons beyond Lansing and truly changing my life. Even as one of the most powerful businessmen in Michigan, Joel made sure he remained accessible to the community.”

“Despite his schedule and numerous businesses, he never missed a single high school or college game of mine. Having Joel in person to witness my victories, including a state championship and an NCAA Championship, meant the world to me! He always made time for me and exposed me to new things. I'll never forget when I told him Muhammad Ali was my favorite boxer. Joel flew me to my first live boxing match in Las Vegas to see the champ! That's the man he was.”

“Off the court, Joel showed me through his work that a Black man could own and excel in business, igniting my passion for entrepreneurship alongside my basketball dreams. Joel embodied the spirit of a servant leader, consistently demonstrating compassion and generosity that was unmatched. His commitment to providing second chances, particularly for those who had been incarcerated, was remarkable. He often reached into his own pockets to help those in need, saving and changing lives through his dedication to uplift the community.”

“Without Joel's influence, I wouldn't be the businessman, entrepreneur, or owner of multiple professional sports teams that I am today. His legacy will live on in me and in the countless lives he touched. Cookie and I are praying for his wife, Anna, his five children, and all who loved him during this time.”

– Magic Johnson