Posted at: 11/20/2009 3:08 PM | WHEC.com

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RIT chairman, former Kodak executive dies

Retired Eastman Kodak executive Michael P. Morley, who led Rochester Institute of Technology as its Board of Trustees chairman from 2005 to 2009, died Thursday. 

Mr. Morley, of Pittsford, was 66 years old.

Mr. Morley, a 1969 RIT graduate in business administration, spent his career at Eastman Kodak Co., where he climbed the ranks before retiring in 2004 as chief administration officer and executive vice president.

"Mike was a natural leader because he listened so well and because he made decisions based on what is best for the organization he was leading, whether the decision was in his own personal interests or not," says RIT President Bill Destler. "He was also a very hard worker who led by example and who was very tenacious when pursuing a worthy goal. Under his leadership, RIT expanded its national and global reach."

Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eastman Kodak Company also spoke highly of Morley today.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Morley, and on behalf of the entire company, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Jean and to the Morley family. Upon his retirement in 2004 as our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Mike had served Kodak admirably for 40 years. In that time, he helped lead the company through a period of great change with his characteristic grace, calm, and wisdom. He also contributed so much to the community that he loved, most recently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RIT. Mike left this world far too young, and I will miss his friendship and humanity."

Under Mr. Morley's tenure as board chair, RIT accomplished the following:
• A successful $309 million fundraising campaign for RIT in 2006
• The development and implementation of a strategic plan, a roadmap for RIT through the year 2015
• A trustees meeting in California with visits to corporate leaders at 22 companies
• The establishment of Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival
• The addition of several new Ph.D. programs: sustainable production, astrophysics, color science, and computing and information sciences
• The opening of RIT Dubai in 2008
• The dedication of several new buildings: Center for Student Innovation, College of Applied Science and Technology building, Center for Bioscience Education and Technology, and the IT Collaboratory research facility

Mr. Morley was also responsible for hiring President Destler in 2007, who replaced the retiring Al Simone. Simone recalled Mr. Morley's diligence and dedication.
"RIT was always uppermost in Mike's heart and mind," says Simone. "Many of his accomplishments were done the hard way-going to night school, working his way up at Kodak."

At the Nov. 13 Board of Trustees meeting, Mr. Morley's tenure as board chair ended and the gavel was handed to Donald Boyce '67 (business administration).Mr. Morley and his wife, Jean, were married more than 45 years. He is also survived by three grown children and three grandchildren.