Robben Wright Fleming

Robben Wright Fleming
9th President of the
University of Michigan
In office
1968–1979
Preceded byHarlan Hatcher
Succeeded byHarold Tafler Shapiro
Chancellor of the
University of Wisconsin-Madison
In office
1964–1967
Preceded byFred Harvey Harrington
Succeeded byWilliam H. Sewell
Interim President of the
University of Michigan
In office
1988–1988
Preceded byHarold Tafler Shapiro
Succeeded byJames J. Duderstadt
Personal details
Born(1916-12-18)December 18, 1916
Paw Paw, Illinois, United States
DiedJanuary 11, 2010(2010-01-11) (aged 93)
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Robben Wright Fleming (December 18, 1916 – January 11, 2010), also known in his youth as Robben Wheeler Fleming, was an American lawyer, professor, and academic administrator. He was president of the University of Michigan from 1968 to 1979—and interim president again in 1988—and established a reputation for patience and willingness to engage in dialogue with students during the frequent campus protests of that era. He has been called "one of the truly great presidents of the University of Michigan" by former University president Mary Sue Coleman.

He served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1964 to 1967 and also led that institution through a period of campus unrest—including, in one instance, writing a personal check to cover bail for students arrested during a demonstration.

He also worked as a lawyer in the U.S. Army during World War II, as a labor negotiator, and as president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.