“There are many who will attest to the impact of his focus on people, one of the many reasons he will long live in the hearts of Spartans.” Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz perfectly put former president Clifton Wharton Jr.’s impact into words. Wharton Jr. passed away in New York City after battling cancer at the age of 98 on November 16. But it’s not just MSU’s current leadership that’s mourning this loss. NBA and MSU legend Magic Johnson, who rose to stardom during Wharton’s presidency, has also reflected on the profound impact this man had on both the university and the sports world.

Michigan State University shared the heartbreaking news in an official statement a couple of days ago. Wharton, who broke barriers as the first Black president of a major U.S. public research university, is survived by his wife of 74 years and son, Bruce. Reflecting on this loss, Magic Johnson took to social media with a heartfelt tribute.

“Cookie and I are mourning the loss of former Michigan State University President Clifton R. Wharton Jr.,” he wrote. “We had the privilege of being at MSU during his presidency in our freshman year, and his leadership left a tremendous impact not just on campus, but across the state of Michigan! He will be missed, but his legacy will certainly live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.” Magic wrote on X.

During his tenure from 1970 to 1978, Wharton oversaw transformative years at MSU. Wharton established two colleges, and the campus saw protests against the Vietnam War, and the university celebrated a rise in Rhodes Scholars. Wharton’s leadership wasn’t just about surviving challenging times—it was about thriving through them.

When Clifton Wharton Jr. became the president of Michigan State University at just 43, he made sure to emphasize what mattered most to him. He told The New York Times, “I’m a man first, an American second and a Black man third.” While he acknowledged the historic nature of his appointment as the first black president of a major public research university, he made it clear that his success was driven by his skills, not by the color of his skin. During his eight years leading MSU, Dr. Wharton did more than just sit in an office.

Magic Johnson changed MSU under Clifton Wharton Jr.’s presidency

He reshaped the university, expanding its academic programs and establishing a school of urban studies. His commitment to diversity and inclusion saw an increase in both faculty and student representation. Wharton’s work earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top academic administrators, but what he truly wanted was to create a place where talent could thrive. And that’s exactly what happened.

Under Wharton’s leadership, Magic Johnson led Michigan State to its first NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball championship in 1979, defeating Indiana State in a memorable game. That victory was just the beginning. Not only did MSU secure its first men’s basketball title, but Magic Johnson also cemented the nickname “Magic,” a title he had earned in high school after transforming Everett High’s basketball program. But Wharton’s impact was felt beyond Michigan as well, as he became a man of many firsts.

He served as the chancellor of the State University of New York from 1978 to 87, becoming the first black person to lead the US’ largest university system with 64 campuses. Wharton then became the first black person to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company and was also the chairman and CEO of TIAA-CREF, a large pension fund with assets in the billions.

During President Bill Clinton’s administration in 1993, Wharton served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State as well. Nevertheless, his contributions to MSU were magical, leading current president, Kevin M. Guskiewicz, to also honor him, emphasizing his forward-thinking vision.

“President Wharton’s steadfast commitment to creating a ‘pluralistic university,’ in which we solve the grand challenges of our time by opening our doors to accommodate students of more diverse backgrounds and needs, is an enduring legacy that is still seen today on our campus,” he shared. Rest in peace, Clifton Wharton Jr.