Joseph E. Champagne papers

Joseph E. Champagne served as the third president of Oakland University from 1981-1991. During his tenure the University student body grew significantly, the Oakland Technology Park was developed, the Meadow Brook Health Enhancement Institute was inaugurated and a number of new academic programs were approved.

Champagne earned a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from Purdue University and was a certified and licensed industrial/organizational psychologist. He received a master of arts from Fordham University, a bachelor of arts from St. Mary’s University, and an associate of arts from St. Thomas Seminary. Champagne joined Oakland University from the University of Houston System, where he was vice president for Academic Affairs. Prior to that, he was the president of the Houston Community College System. He resigned from Oakland University to become president and chief executive officer of Crittenton Corporation, a post he held from 1991 – 1993. He would become chancellor, Lamar University System of Texas in 1994 – 1995, then Vice-President of Advanced Studies and Dean of the University Center at Macomb Community College.