Kent State alumni and member of the Board of Trustees Richard Marsh died last Thursday, the university announced Sunday.

Marsh, 65, of Bath Township, had served on the board since 2011. Marsh earned his undergraduate degree at Kent State before moving on to the University of Akron for graduate studies.

“Our Kent State family has lost one of its most outstanding advocates,” said Board of Trustees Chair Dennis E. Eckart in a written statement. “My colleagues and I trusted Rich to shepherd some of our most delicate and difficult tasks to completion, and every time he brought a dedication and diligence to his work that was a marvel to behold. His demeanor and approachability made him a favorite with everyone on our campus who worked with him.”

Marsh sat on a number of committees while on the board. He was involved with the Audit and Compliance committee, Finance and Administration committee, Investment committee and Governance committee. Marsh also chaired the search committee that brought President Beverly Warren to the university.

“Trustee Rich Marsh has been so integral to the life of our university,” President Warren said in a written statement. “His wise counsel and his leadership on so many growth initiatives will leave a lasting legacy of his impact. His leadership will be missed by our entire Kent State family.”

Marsh led the board in developing the $200 million Foundations of Excellence capital improvement plan.

“It should be a small but significant solace that the fruits of (Marsh)’s labors at Kent State will live on in the lives of generations of students and graduates who will benefit from his dedicated efforts,” Eckart said. “We can only be assuaged in this time of grief that it has been our honor and privilege to know and work with such a good and honorable man.”

Marsh’s funeral will be held at St. Victor Parish on Friday, April 1, at 11 a.m.

Karl Schneider is an administration reporter at The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].