Niehuss, Marvin Lemmon, 1903-2003

University of Michigan professor of law, 1936-1944 and 1968-1972, vice president for university relations, 1944-1951, vice president and dean of faculties, 1951-1962, and executive vice president, 1962-1967.

Vice president for legislative relations, 1944-1951, vice president and dean of faculties, 1951-1962, and executive vice president, 1962-1967, of University of Michigan.

Marvin Lemmon Niehuss was associated with the University of Michigan for over fifty years, starting as an undergraduate in 1920, earning his bachelor's and law degrees in 1925 and 1930 respectively, and eventually serving in a variety of capacities: researcher, law professor, and administrator. His most notable role was legislative relations specialist for the university administration.

Niehuss was born in Lexington, Kentucky and raised in Mississippi. Except for two years practicing law in Chicago during the 1930s, his entire career was devoted to the University of Michigan. He made the move from law professor to administrator during World War II, when he coordinated government contracts for the university as Vice President for University Relations. From 1951 to 1962 he served as Vice President and Dean of Faculties, and from 1962 to 1968, as Executive Vice President.

Among the most pressing issues Niehuss dealt with were enrollment bulges in the late 1940s and 1960s, "cash crises" during the 1950s, and affirmative action issues in the 1960s. He also actively supported the dismissal of three alleged communists on faculty (Professors Nickerson, Davis and Markert) who were questioned by the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1954.

Niehuss retired from administration to resume teaching responsibilities at the Law School in 1968, and was named Professor Emeritus of Law in June 1973. He died in Louisville, KY May 3, 2003