Michael Aiken

CODY, Wyo. - Michael T. Aiken, 93, of Cody, Wyo., passed away Aug. 25, 2025, at Cody Regional Health West Park Hospital, Wyo.

Michael was born Aug. 20, 1932, in El Dorado, Ark., to William Floyd and Mary Emily (Gibbs) Aiken. His family moved to Sardis, Miss., where he graduated from high school. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology and mathematics in 1954.

He then enrolled at the University of Michigan and received his master's degree in sociology in 1955. He then entered the U.S. Army for a 3.5-year tour of duty, most of which was served in France. He then returned to the University of Michigan, where he received his Ph.D. in sociology in 1964.

Michael had an illustrious career as a social scientist, professor and administrator. He was employed by the University of Wisconsin, Madison, from 1963-1984, including two years as an associate dean of the College of Letters and Science. He also held visiting professor positions at Columbia University in New York City, Washington University in St. Louis, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium and Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium. He was an internationally recognized sociologist specializing in organizational theory and co-authored many articles and books on organizations and organization theory. It was during his time as visiting professor at Columbia University in the fall of 1967 that he met Catherine Comet, the woman who would become his wife of 56 years.

In 1984, he went to the University of Pennsylvania, where he was promoted to provost for his final six years. In 1993, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign selected Michael to serve as its sixth chancellor. His visionary leadership led to the development of the University's Research Park, the New Student Convocation, expanded study abroad opportunities and many community-building initiatives. He led the university's first strategic planning exercise that worked to strengthen undergraduate education and maintain competitive salaries for faculty members and graduate students. He led a record-breaking $1 billion fundraising campaign and worked to build relationships between the university and the community, making the area safer and more beautiful. He retired in 2001, and received the title chancellor emeritus, and the Michael Aiken Chair was established.

Michael and Catherine moved to Crandall in the beautiful mountains of Wyoming for the next 24 years where he enjoyed his favorite pastimes of fishing and hiking. He was a loyal Illinois sports fan and greatly enjoyed cheering on the Fighting Illini.

He was honored for his impactful work many times throughout his life, with awards including the University of Mississippi Hall of Fame, Most Valuable Citizen of Champaign County, Honorary Member of the European Group for Organizational Studies (EGOS), and an honorary degree of Doctor of Science and Letters from the University of Illinois.

Michael was widely respected and deeply appreciated by students, faculty, staff and alumni for his visionary, impactful, transformational ability and for his gift for bringing people together to achieve common goals. Equally important, he was loved for raising people up, reaching out to all communities and empowering others to become their best selves.

Michael entered into rest after his parents; his brother, Lt. Col. Donald W. Aiken; his niece; and great-nephew.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Comet) Aiken; his daughter, Caroline Aiken (Jonathan Isom); his two nephews; niece; great-nephew; and great-niece.

He was interred on Sept. 2, 2025, in Riverside Cemetery in Cody, Wyo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael Aiken Chair Fund and the Michael Aiken Women's Basketball Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois Foundation.

He was a kind, humble man who had a special heart that demonstrated deep care and concern for others. We are better for having known him.