Samuel Bieber, Former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dies
January 12, 2018
Samuel Bieber
By Noell Saunders
Samuel Bieber, a former provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Old Dominion University died Jan. 4 at the age of 91.
Bieber was named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs in 1980 and served in that capacity until 1982. He received the Professor Emeritus designation upon his retirement in 1995.
Bieber received a bachelor's degree in 1944 from Washington Square College of New York University; a master's in 1948 and his Ph.D. in 1952 from the Graduate School of Arts and Science of New York University.
Bieber taught for several years in the Department of Biological Sciences. In a letter announcing his resignation as provost and vice president in order to return to teaching in 1982, former Old Dominion president, Alfred B. Rollins said that Bieber had made "very substantial contributions" to the University including the dedication he provided in the development of academic and personnel policies.
Prior to arriving at Old Dominion, Bieber served as a professor, provost, dean and acting vice president at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He was also a professor and dean at Long Island University's Brooklyn campus.
Bieber was very active in research. He spent 10 years working as a senior research scientist and supervisor for Wellcome Research Laboratories, a leading pharmaceutical company in England and the United States. At Wellcome, he was responsible for the establishment and standardization of biological test systems in cancer chemotherapy and immunosuppression. He was also a Visiting Fellow at Reed College in Oregon and Cambridge University in England.
Bieber is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rosalyn; daughter, Susan; son, Scott; five grandchildren; three great- grandchildren and; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A celebration of Bieber's life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 at Galloway Ridge at Fearrington retirement community. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to a charity of choice, preferably in medical research or education.
