Bobby Fong: American college president and educator

Early life and education

Fong was born in Oakland, California, the son of immigrants from China. He completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in English. His formation as a scholar of literature informed a lifelong commitment to teaching, thoughtful leadership, and the centrality of the liberal arts to undergraduate education. He was married to Suzanne Fong.

Academic career and leadership

Before and between his presidencies, Fong held faculty and administrative roles at several colleges and universities, working as a teacher of literature and as an academic leader. At both Butler and Ursinus he emphasized student-centered learning, curricular strength, and the engagement of campuses with their surrounding communities. Colleagues noted his approachable manner, attention to classroom life, and support for faculty scholarship.

Contributions and priorities

Fong's tenure at Butler and Ursinus included efforts to sustain small-class liberal arts programs within broader university settings, to encourage civic and cultural partnerships, and to advance the institutions' academic missions. He was recognized for promoting intellectual curiosity among students and for fostering inclusive campus climates. His leadership is often cited as an example of how scholar-administrators balance day-to-day operations with long-term educational goals.

Death and legacy

Fong died suddenly of an aneurysm on September 8, 2014, in Collegeville. His passing prompted tributes from students, faculty, and alumni who remembered him for his warmth, scholarship, and dedication to liberal arts education. He is also noted as one of the relatively few Asian American leaders to have served as president of predominantly white American colleges, a fact that figures in discussions of diversity in academe.

Quick facts

• Born: 1950, Oakland, California
• Heritage: family from China
• Education: degree in English from Harvard University
• Butler University president: 2001–2011 (Butler)
• Ursinus College president: 2011–2014 (Ursinus)
• Died: September 8, 2014 (ruptured aneurysm)