Joseph Champagne was president of Oakland University and professor of management from 1981 - 1991. During his tenure, Oakland forged collaborative ventures, including the development of the Oakland Technology Park, alliances with school districts throughout southeastern Michigan and joint ventures with regional health-care facilities, business and labor organizations. The 10-year reaccreditation report of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, published in 1989, cited Oakland University as poised to be a model university of the 21st century, combining excellent teaching, scholarly research and active public service in a dynamic and responsive university role and mission.
Champagne joined Oakland University from the University of Houston System, where he was vice president for Academic Affairs. Prior to that, he was the president of the Houston Community College System. He resigned from Oakland University to become president and chief executive officer of Crittenton Corporation, a post he held from 1991 – 1993. He was chancellor, Lamar University System of Texas in 1994 – 1995.
Champagne is currently vice president of advanced studies and dean of the University Center at Macomb Community College. Champagne is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations, including the National Advisory Council of the Center of the Presidency from 1982 – 2000.
Champagne earned a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from Purdue University and is a certified and licensed industrial/organizational psychologist. He received a master of arts from Fordham University, a bachelor of arts from St. Mary’s University, and an associate of arts from St. Thomas Seminary.