Joel Ferguson, known developer and former MSU board of trustee member, dies at 85

(CBS DETROIT) — Joel Ferguson, a known developer in Michigan and former board of trustee for Michigan State University, has died at the age of 85.

Michigan State University confirmed his passing on Saturday.

Ferguson served as a trustee from 1987 to 1995 and from 1997 to 2020, according to the school. He developed 14 multi-family residential buildings throughout Michigan.

Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz, Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly and Athletic Director Alan Haller released a join statement on Ferguson's passing, saying in part:

"Beyond MSU, he was a civil rights leader, successful businessman and community leader and a strong proponent for the Lansing area. His legacy will be strong and everlasting on our Spartan community."

During the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal, Ferguson showed support for then-president of Michigan State University , Lou Anna K. Simon.

Ferguson graduated from the school with an elementary education degree in 1965, was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and a life member of the NAACP.

According to archives from the White House, he was appointed by former President Bill Clinton to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) in 1996.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also released a statement on his passing:

"Today, we mourn the loss of Joel Ferguson. A good man, Lansing legend, and proud Spartan, he was a friend to so many over his decades of service. He built homes, stewarded his beloved alma mater MSU on the board of trustees, and served his nation in uniform as a United States Marine. Joel not only invested in his community, but he embodied its core values."He made Michigan a better place, and I was proud to call him a longtime family friend. My thoughts are with his family and all those who were lucky enough to know him, work alongside him, and learn from him."