John W. Porter (Aug. 13, 1931 - June 27, 2012) served as the 17th President of Eastern Michigan University, from 1979-1989, and is noted for many accomplishments during this time. The John W. Porter College of Education on Eastern's campus is named in his honor.
The construction of the College of Business building in downtown Ypsilanti, the establishment of the College of Technology, and the creation of Eastern's first doctoral program--in educational leadership--were among Porter's efforts as President. He previously served as Superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools and as Michigan's State Superintendent of schools: he was both the youngest person and the first African-American in the country ever to hold this state position.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Porter earned his undergraduate degree at Albion College, and both a master's degree in counseling and a PhD in higher ed administration from Michigan State.
