Honoring a life of impact: Professor Michael Schor

Ohio University Eastern is honoring the life and legacy of Professor Michael “Mike” Schor, whose dedication to students and commitment to higher education left a lasting imprint across the University.

Professor Schor passed away on Jan. 28, 2026, at the age of 67. Even during his illness, he remained committed to his students and colleagues, continuing to teach and mentor for as long as he was able.

Throughout his career, Professor Schor played a foundational role in launching and strengthening the Applied Management degree program at OHIO Eastern. He brought the program to life with innovation, strategic vision and a deep belief in the potential of regional campus students. Under his leadership, the program developed a strong identity and sense of belonging among its majors, mirroring the close-knit culture often seen in programs such as education and nursing.

Dr. Richard W. Greenlee, dean of Ohio University Eastern, reflected on Professor Schor’s influence.

“Mike was the heart of our business program and a steadfast advocate for our students,” Greenlee said. “His ability to make complex ideas accessible, while making every student feel seen and supported, defined his work here at OHIO Eastern. His presence shaped this campus in lasting ways.”

His impact extended well beyond a single program or campus. Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost of Regional Higher Education, emphasized Professor Schor’s collaborative spirit and system-wide influence. 

“Professor Schor embodied the very best of Ohio University,” McNeal said. “His commitment to students, his willingness to collaborate across campuses and his genuine care for colleagues strengthened our entire University community. His influence was felt in classrooms, programs and initiatives across our Regional Higher Education and Athens campuses. His legacy will continue through the countless students he mentored and the community he helped build.”

Professor Schor also developed and led the “Shark Challenge,” an entrepreneurial initiative that thrived for a decade and brought significant recognition to OHIO Eastern and the broader University. The program connected students from multiple campuses, encouraged innovation and fostered partnerships across the regional system and beyond. It became a signature experience that reflected his belief in experiential learning and student confidence.

Dr. Travis Davidson, Leona Hughes Associate Professor of Finance and chair, remembered both his professional excellence and personal warmth.

“Mike was such a pleasure to work with. He was one of the most optimistic and joyful people that I have ever met, and he cared deeply about helping his students thrive. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and I will truly miss the smile-filled conversations with him,” Davidson said.

Colleagues across disciplines and campuses felt his steady presence and generosity.

Dr. Ana Rosado Feger, O’Bleness Associate Professor of Operations Management and chair of the Management Department, shared, “In every instance, Professor Schor was fully committed to his work, his students and his colleagues. He could always be counted on to bring enthusiasm and collaboration. He will be missed as a colleague, and he will be missed as a friend of Ohio University.”

His collegiality extended to faculty governance and campus engagement.

Dr. John O’Keefe, associate professor of history at Ohio University Chillicothe, noted, “Mike was an amazing colleague. He got us organized at OHIO and laid much of the groundwork for building a union because he cared so deeply. He was always willing to meet and talk, give people support and advice, and make everyone feel welcome.”

Dr. Pamela Kaylor, professor of instruction in communication studies at Ohio University Lancaster, highlighted the joy he brought to his work.

“I was fortunate to work with Michael at Ohio University,” Kaylor said. “He had an infectious laugh and a zest for life. He was always positive and supportive of students. He made the world a better place, and his legacy will truly live on in the lives he touched, including students, staff and fellow faculty.”

Beyond his visible leadership, Professor Schor quietly supported initiatives that removed barriers to student success, as he was a strong supporter of campus food pantries and emergency support funds. His generosity was rarely publicized, but it reflected his deep commitment to ensuring that students had what they needed to succeed both academically and personally.

A previously scheduled concert, “Songs and Stories of Appalachian Ohio,” will now be held in his memory. The performance will take place on March 19 at 7 p.m. in the OHIO Eastern Theatre and will raise funds for the Student Resource and Student Emergency Support Fund. A brief tribute and short biography will be included in the evening’s program.

Professor Schor’s legacy endures in the students he inspired, the colleagues he supported and the programs he helped shape across Ohio University. His influence will continue to be felt across the University for years to come.