Grand Valley mourns death of former dean

Rod Mulder, professor of social work and former dean, died Tuesday at the age of 68. Mulder began his Grand Valley career in 1966 as an instructor of French. He served as director of the Urban Studies Institute and General Academic Programs from 1972-1974.
 
Mulder later served as dean of the School of Social Work from 1994-2003, and dean of the College of Community and Public Service from 2004-2008, before returning to his current role as professor of social work.

“I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dr. Mulder’s death,” said Provost Gayle Davis. “For more than 40 years at Grand Valley as a faculty member and dean, Rod’s contributions to building the university were significant. We will miss him as a pioneering faculty member and a friend.”

George Grant, dean of the College of Community and Public Service, said Mulder loved Grand Valley and showed that every day of his life. “He was everything you wanted in a leader at Grand Valley,” said Grant. “He cared about students and faculty, gave them all the time they needed, and rejoiced in their success. Dean Mulder’s personal belief in social justice played a part in making the School of Social Work, the College of Community and Public Service, and the Grand Valley community a more inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. As a leader, advisor, mentor, and friend, he will be missed.”

Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday evenings, September 23-24, from 7-9 p.m. at Zaagman Funeral Home on Burton Street. The service will be held Saturday, September 25, at 11 a.m., at Madison Square Christian Reformed Church.

The family would like to encourage memorial contributions to the Rod Mulder Scholarship. For more information, visit Grand Valley’s University Development website at www.gvsu.edu/development.