Dr. James Facen

The Wayne State University community extends its heartfelt sympathy to family and friends of James Facen, former assistant dean of academic affairs at the College of Engineering who died suddenly Wednesday, May 16. He was 74.

Dr. Facen, who earned his PhD in Education from Wayne State, was also an assistant provost of the university at one time. Before working in the College of Engineering, he was employed by the student services program where he assisted wheelchair and other handicapped students.

Former College of Engineering Dean Stanley Stynes, who described Dr. Facen as a good friend and a very caring and helping colleague, remembers that “in addition to being general advisor to our students, he provided support for student organizations and helped to develop the Black Engineering program. He was absolutely wonderful in his concern for and his help to students.”

James McMicking, professor emeritus of chemical engineering, said of Dr. Facen, “We went undergrad at Wayne State together. He was a very gentle person and I knew him the best when he was the assistant dean.”

Snehamay Khasnabas, associate dean of research, was chair of civil engineering when he knew Dr. Facen best. "He was very supportive of students. He was somebody they could come to and seek his counsel."

James Edward Facen, Sr., was born on March 9, 1933 in Macon, Miss. He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Chadsey High School as an honor student. He attended Wayne University and earned a bachelor\'s of science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1956, master\'s in Education in 1976, and doctorate in Education in 1988.

Dr. Facen worked for 11 years at the Veteran\'s Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor. In 1970, he joined the faculty at Wayne State. He served as director of minority student programs at the College of Engineering, was later promoted to assistant dean, and eventually served as the university assistant provost for minority faculty recruitment. After his retirement, he continued to teach a required General Education course for first-year students named UGE 100.

Dr. Facen is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Francis, children Hope Facen-Berry, Sherry White (Keith) and Lance Facen, sister Sadie Johnson, brother in-law Sessions Harlan, three grandchildren and many family and friends. Another son James Facen II preceded him in death.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 22, at Central Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit. Dr. Facen was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.