Molly Corbett Broad, Died at 81, American academic administrator

Molly Corbett Broad: A Visionary Academic Leader

Molly Corbett Broad (February 22, 1941 – January 2, 2023) was an esteemed American academic administrator who left an indelible mark on higher education. Her influential career spanned leadership roles in prestigious institutions, shaping the landscape of academia.

Early Years and Education

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on February 22, 1941, Molly Corbett was raised by Stanley A. Corbett and Margaret (née Kelly) Corbett, both esteemed public school teachers. Their dedication to education deeply influenced Molly's values. Molly Corbett began her higher education journey at Syracuse University, where she was a recipient of the General Motors Scholarship. A dedicated student and member of Kappa Alpha Theta, she graduated in 1962 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and a degree in economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Molly Corbett Broad maintained strong ties with Syracuse University throughout her life, serving on the Maxwell School Advisory Board and receiving various prestigious honors from her alma mater. She continued her academic pursuits, earning a master's degree in economics from Ohio State University.

A Career in Academic Leadership

Molly Corbett Broad's illustrious career in university administration commenced at Syracuse University, where she held vital positions from 1971 to 1985. Her roles included Manager of the Office of Budget and Planning, Director of Institutional Research, and Vice President for Government and Corporate Relations. She also served as the Director of the New York State Commission on the Future of Postsecondary Education in 1976.

Her journey led her to become the Chief Executive Officer for the Arizona University System from 1985 to 1992. She later joined the California State University System, serving as Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance from 1992 to 1993 and then as Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 to 1997.

A significant highlight of Molly Corbett Broad's career was her tenure as the third President of the University of North Carolina system, a position she held from 1997 to 2006. During her tenure, she achieved remarkable milestones, including overseeing a historic $3.1 billion higher education bond and pioneering the state's inaugural need-based scholarship program. She advocated for increased minority enrollment, enhanced accessibility through technology, and greater autonomy for individual campuses. Molly Corbett Broad also sought innovative projects to generate additional funding for the UNC System and the state's economy.

Post her North Carolina tenure, she assumed the presidency of the American Council on Education on January 15, 2008, becoming the first woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1918. She left an indelible mark during her presidency, championing education until her departure on October 31, 2017.

Even beyond her formal roles, Molly Corbett Broad remained engaged in the educational landscape. She became a partner at RIDGE-LANE LP's Education Practice in 2018 and contributed her expertise through roles on the TIAA-CREF Board of Overseers and the PBS Board of Directors. Notably, she served as the chair of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, a significant research, policy, and advocacy organization.

Personal Life and Legacy

Molly Corbett Broad's personal and professional life were deeply intertwined. She met her husband, Robert W. Broad, during her time at Syracuse University, and they married in 1962. Their union was blessed with two adult sons. Tragically, Robert W. Broad passed away in 2020, leaving a void in her life.

On January 2, 2023, Molly Corbett Broad peacefully passed away at the age of 81. Her remarkable contributions to academia, her pioneering spirit, and her unwavering dedication to education will forever be celebrated and remembered as a vital part of her enduring legacy.