In Memoriam: Professor Mbodja Mougoué

It is with great sadness that the Ilitch School announces that Professor of Finance Mbodja Mougoué passed away on Friday, October 25.  

Mougoué was a part of the Ilitch School community for over 27 years. Highly respected by his colleagues and students, Mougoué was a dedicated researcher and mentor, who provided expert guidance to many Ph.D. students beginning their careers in academia. He was deeply involved with the international scholarly community, serving on multiple editorial boards. 

A two-time recipient of the Fulbright Scholars program, Mougoué was devoted to using his expertise to help his home country of Cameroon, and the surrounding West African region. He conducted research in and made policy recommendations for Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire during his Fulbright tenure.  

Ilitch School Dean Virginia Kleist was deeply saddened to hear of his passing, commenting that “Our Ilitch School community is collegial and close, and I know that the passing of Dr. Mougoué has certainly had an impact on all of us.  I will miss Mbodja for how uplifting and joyful it always was for me to encounter him at the Ilitch School of Business, always cheerful, happy and with an ever-present smile. His presence will be deeply missed by all at Wayne State.” 

Anand Jha, chair of the Finance Department, was also deeply saddened by this loss, commenting that “Mbodja was a key figure in the department, championing compassion and inclusiveness. The faculty will deeply feel his absence.” 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by a celebration of life.