In Memoriam: Laurel Ann Grotzinger, 1935-2017

Laurel Grotzinger, a former professor of University Libraries at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo died on December 15. She was 82 years old.

Dr. Grotzinger was a native of Truman, Minnesota. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. She went on to earn a master of library science degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.

Professor Grotzinger joined the faculty at Western Michigan University in 1964. Just two years later, she was appointed assistant director of the university’s School of Library Science. In 1979 she became the dean of the Graduate College. She was the first woman in the history of Western Michigan University to be appointed to an academic dean position.

Over a 51-year career at Western Michigan University, Dr. Grotzinger also served as chief research officer, dean of the School of Library and Information Science, president of the faculty senate, and director of Center for the Study of Ethics in Society. She retired in 2015.