Bob Fletcher, the man who is given much credit for the tremendous growth in students and the cutting-edge technology at Grand Valley State University, passed away on December 22, 2004. Fletcher, 56, spent 25 years lending his energy, leadership, and insight to the University. As vice provost and dean of Academic Services, Fletcher oversaw Admissions, Information Technology and Financial Aid.
"There was no better mind in the fields of admissons and computers than Bob's," said Arend D. Lubbers, president emeritus of Grand Valley State University. "In fact, he was one of the best in America. Yet his contributions to develop and manage the growth of Grand Valley are something people outside of the University wouldn't see or attribute to him. Those of us who worked with him and depended on him know how important he was to the University and to us," Lubbers continued.
Fletcher joined Grand Valley in 1979 as associate director of Admissions. He left in 1985 to take a job at Ball State University but found himself back spearheading the programs in Allendale less than a year later. Fletcher returned as dean of academic services and under his guidance, Grand Valley streamlined its registration and financial aid systems. In 1986, Grand Valley's enrollment was 8,361. Today it stands at 22,063. He also oversaw the conversion of Grand Valley to a wireless campus.
"Bob Fletcher was key to the high quality of this university," said Mark A. Murray, president of Grand Valley. "The breadth of his responsibilities were testimony to the breadth of his skills and judgment." Murray recognizes the systems that Fletcher put into place have helped make Grand Valley an accessible institution for students and families. "He always brought student-centered values, creativity and hard work to every issue. His steady hand, keen intellect and legendary intuition were a rare combination. We are all the better because he was with us. He was a skilled and enjoyable colleague. We will miss him greatly."
Fletcher had a Master of Science in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Science in History from Northern Illinois University. He moved to his current position as vice provost and dean of academic services in 2002. "There was no one better at recruitment than Bob," said Glenn Niemeyer, provost and vice president for academic affairs emeritus. "He introduced many innovations such as giving financial aid discs to students so they could figure out what it would cost to attend Grand Valley or any other college. It was his idea to get high school counselors to visit campus and that really turned things around for Grand Valley. In the area of IT, Bob was always putting the case before us about what we needed to do. We had confidence in Bob's advice and and that's why Grand Valley is where it is." Neimeyer was also a good friend of Fletcher's and said, "Bob was humorous, witty, loyal, and generous. He was very committed to Grand Valley. He was a good friend and I will miss him a lot."
Lubbers gives Fletcher much praise for being one of the key architects of Grand Valley. "When you look at all the people who helped build Grand Valley, he was one of the guys who was behind the scenes, doing things no one else could," Lubbers remembered.
Bob Fletcher is survived by his wife Pat and four children. The campus community is invited to gather on Tuesday, January 18 at 4 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center for a memorial. The memorial program will include comments from Fletcher's colleagues and family. Light refreshments will be served upon the conclusion of the program, and attendees will have a chance to greet Pat and the Fletcher children.
