Obituary: Samuel Schuman, chancellor at U of M, Morris, dies of lung cancer

Samuel Schuman was a professor and college administrator by trade, but most people remember him as the affable chancellor at the University of Minnesota, Morris, a man known for his penchant for quoting Shakespeare and the kindness he showed to students and staff.

He was a champion of public liberal arts education. During his 11-year tenure on the western Minnesota campus he taught classes, led theater productions, raised money and spearheaded initiatives that included a $60 million renovation of campus buildings.

"He raised and elevated what it means to be Minnesota's public liberal arts college and why that mission is an important one, and the unique niche we hold in higher education," said Sandy Olson-Loy, the school's vice chancellor for Student Affairs.

Morris is ranked among the top 10 public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report.

Schuman died Nov. 11 after battling lung cancer. He was 72.

Eloquent, witty and sharp, Schuman arrived on the Morris campus in 1995 to take the role of academic dean. He was promoted to chancellor in 2000 and held that position until 2006. But he never let his title and position get in the way of connecting with students and finding ways to make the education experience better, Olson-Loy said.

News of his passing saddened alumni and faculty members, scores of whom left tributes on the Morris Family Funeral Home website and the "one of the most shared post ever on the school's Facebook page," said Chancellor Jacqueline Johnson, Schuman's successor.

Schuman was born in Chicago and attended New Trier High School. He was an Eagle Scout, earning the Order of the Arrow. He graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa, San Francisco State University and Northwestern University.

Schuman began his teaching career at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he taught modern fiction courses and directed Shakespeare plays. In 1977, Schuman moved into his first administrative position as director of the honors program at the University of Maine. Four years later he moved on to Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., where he served as academic dean and vice president of academic affairs. In 1991, he became chancellor of the University of North Carolina, Asheville, where he oversaw a $4 million expansion of the library and the completion of the school's official designation as the UNC system's liberal arts university.

At Morris, Schuman was always quick to weave in a Shakespeare quote whether in a Board of Regents meeting or in his patented graduation speeches.

"I came to UMM uncertain about if I would stay more than a year or two," said Barbara Burke, who teaches communications media and rhetoric. "Sam taught me to embrace the mission of public liberal arts and see it as a calling."

An avid runner, Schuman completed 20 marathons and numerous triathlons, sometimes with students. He wrote a regular column for Runner's World magazine called "Running Around." In 2013, the fitness center on the UNC Asheville campus was named in his honor.

Services have been held.