It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Professor Michael R. Moore.

Michael died unexpectedly on May 11, 2025—he collapsed while running intervals on the Ann Arbor Skyline High School track—doing something he loved, working to stay in good shape. The cause was cardiac arrest, and sadly, he died after being taken to the hospital. His death is a profound loss to all of us who knew him as a dedicated faculty member, an inspiring educator, a thoughtful mentor and a steadfast leader within SEAS and the University of Michigan. Michael spent over 40 years as a member of our community; he received his PhD from a unique U-M interdisciplinary program in natural resource economics between the U-M Economics Department and what was then the School of Natural Resources in 1986.

Michael devoted his life to advancing the understanding of environmental and natural resource economics. His pioneering research in water resource economics, environmental markets, climate change and sustainable land use left a lasting mark on the field. He was known not only for his intellect and scholarly contributions, but also for his kindness and warmth, his thoughtful guidance, and genuine care for students and colleagues alike. He had an unforgettable smile for everyone he met, whether he knew them well or not. When faced with decisions, he always centered on our values and asked, “What is in the best interest of students?” He was also an avid basketball player and fan, both playing on a team himself and loving every minute of March Madness.

Michael led the school through many times of transition and change. He served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2017-2019, Associate Dean for Research from 2011-2015, and Interim Dean in August 2019 when current SEAS Dean Jonathan Overpeck was temporarily out with his own health challenges. Michael was always willing to step up for our community and served in MANY roles at SEAS: Parliamentarian; Promotion and Tenure Committee; Scholarship Committee; Executive Committee; PhD admissions and multiple select committees: Specialization Coordinator for the Environmental Policy and Planning specialization; Diversity Committee; and Faculty Ombud. There is no doubt he was dedicated to service and doing whatever he could to help others and our school. He taught SEAS’ core environmental economics course for all Environmental Policy and Planning students, which was also taken by many others. He pioneered the use of online education with a “flipped classroom” model and created an environmental economy Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) as an online tool.

He received numerous honors and awards, graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Colorado in 1977. He received the Brinser Award as an Outstanding PhD student at the School of Natural Resources. His work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) from 1988 to 1995 sharpened his ability to apply the tools of economics to practical policy problems, and he received four ERS Administrator's Special Merit Awards, five Certificates of Merit, and two Certificates of Appreciation.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Michael’s family, friends and loved ones, especially his wife, Ellen, and his two sons, Eric and Peter. We know many in our community will feel this loss deeply. 

A celebration of life will be held for Michael in the fall; additional details will be available at a later date. You can read Michael's online obituary here.