March 9, 2023

Former WSU President Irvin D. Reid to have building at Montclair State University named in his honor

For Wayne State University president emeritus Irvin D. Reid, Ph.D., the milestones and honors continue to accumulate.

Even as the 15^th anniversary of WSU’s Irvin D. Reid Honors College nears this year, Reid, who officially retired from Wayne State in 2018, also finds himself being recognized on still another campus: Montclair State University recently announced that it will rename its Science Hall after Reid, who served as president of the New Jersey university from 1989 to 1997.

During a recent chat, Reid expressed deep gratitude for the latest honor, noting that it evoked memories of the appreciation he felt at having the WSU Honors College named for him as well.

“Having the Honors College at Wayne State named in my honor was the first great recognition that I had,” Reid, who served as president of Wayne State University from 1997 to 2008, said. “That will always be special. And of course, I’m deeply honored by Montclair. This renaming is coming 25 years after I left the university as its president. To be recognized by the faculty and the board after 25 years is a very special honor.

“When I was told about it, as was the case with the Honors College, it was a total surprise.”

Reid said that the building renaming at Montclair State will be made official in September. Meanwhile, the Irvin D. Reid Honors College — which also houses Reid’s groundbreaking African Democracy Project documentary — celebrates its 15^th anniversary in April.