In memory of Dr. Ming Li
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, August 28, 2022
Fetzer Center, WMU
3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Dr. Ming Li Memorial Fund.
ABOUT DR. MING LI
Dr. Ming Li was the dean of the College of Education and Human Development for nine years (2013-2022). Under Li’s leadership, the college acquired more than $52 million in external funding, significantly contributed to the enrollment of WMU, developed the college’s first ever strategic plan, strengthened the college’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, expanded international student enrollment, buoyed the reputation of the college and implemented several innovative programs.
“Dean Ming Li was a transformative leader of the College of Education and Human Development at WMU. Under his leadership the College was consistently ranked among the nation’s best schools, generated more external grant support than all but a handful of schools in the country and produced some of the finest most diverse teachers, educational leaders and human development professionals in the state. His legacy won’t be measured, however, by rankings, dollars or awards but rather by how he changed lives both at WMU and in our community. His generosity of spirit, compassion and commitment to his colleagues and our youth set him apart,” says WMU President Edward Montgomery.
Due in large part to Li's efforts, CEHD has substantially improved the quality of its teacher preparation programs, which have been consistently rated “Satisfactory” by the Michigan Department of Education during the past nine years. The college has been repeatedly ranked as one of the top 100 public graduate schools of education in the country and the third in the state of Michigan. Working with other colleges at WMU, CEHD established the Educator Preparation Governing Council (EPGC) at WMU, which is an overarching policy-making and review body with oversight of the establishment or revision of educator preparation programs, the assessment of program outcomes and the alignment of programs with state and national standards for educators.
Prior to becoming dean of the College of Education and Human Development in 2013, Li served as interim executive director of the Center for International Studies at Ohio University, serving as that university’s senior international officer. He also filled a wide range of other administrative posts at the university. He was the inaugural chair of the Department of Sports Administration in the College of Business for two years, acting associate dean for academic affairs for the College of Health and Human Services for a year, director of the School of Recreation and Sport Sciences for eight years, from 2002 to 2010, and director of the master’s program in athletic administration in the School of Recreation and Sport Sciences from 2003 to 2010. In addition to his Ohio University posts, Li also taught at Georgia Southern University for 11 years and was coordinator of that university’s sport management program.
A beloved dean, Li remained a tireless supporter of the college's students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. An overwhelming number of remarks describe Li as a leader who encouraged people to be brave and bold and to always lead from the heart. His passion for and dedication to the college continues to serve as an inspiration for all who had the privilege to know him.
"Dr. Li was a strong advocate for the University and our larger community. Personally, he was one of the most honorable and ethical persons I have had the opportunity to work for. His impact on the college and the University will be felt for years to come." - Dr. Chris Cheatham, interim provost
Li received his bachelor’s degree in education from Guangzhou Institute of Physical Culture and his master’s degree in education from Hangzhou University, both in China. He received his Doctor of Education from the University of Kansas in physical education, sport administration. He has served as president of the Alliance for Sport Business, chair of the Board of Commissioners of the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation and president of the North American Society for Sport Management.
Li has also served on the editorial boards of several professional journals, including the Journal of Sport Management and Sport Marketing Quarterly. He served as a consultant to several institutions in program evaluation and development in sport management. In 1996, he worked for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games as an Olympic Envoy. In 2011, he worked as a consultant for the sports department of the Organizing Committee for the Asian Games.
Li has published more than 30 articles in refereed journals, numerous book chapters, and four books, International Sport Management, Economics of Sport, Research Methods in Sport Management, and Badminton Everyone. He was the recipient of the 2014 Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award bestowed by the North American Society for Sport Management.