Mike, whose relationship with the University spanned several decades, was an internationally-renowned social scientist, and he worked as special adviser on public policy to the First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan, from 2007 to 2011. As Vice-President at Swansea, he developed and led the successful Texas Strategic Partnership, involving collaboration with eight leading universities and medical institutions, and resulting in staff and student exchanges, joint publications, and the raising of money for grants and scholarships.  Mike was instrumental in establishing the University’s unique and ongoing relationship with Hillary Clinton, who accepted an honorary doctorate in 2017 and agreed to the renaming of the College of Law as the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law.

On hearing of Mike’s death, Secretary Clinton said: “I am deeply saddened by news of the passing of Professor Mike Sullivan.  Mike’s warmth, humanity and intelligence illuminated everything he did.  I first met Mike when he reached out to me in his role as Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Swansea University in 2016.   Since then I have been privileged to get to know him, his family and the family that is Swansea University.   I know he will be dearly missed even though his contribution remains.    He played a critical role in building the University’s strong partnerships here in the United States and around the world.  I send my deepest sympathies to his wife, Jane, his children and his friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”

Mike also founded the Morgan Academy, set up in memory of Rhodri Morgan and conceived by Mike as a cross-disciplinary body to develop public policy and innovative thinking at Swansea University. Despite illness, he played a leading role in developing the Academy.

Professor Richard B. Davies, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, said: “Mike was an outstanding intellectual, but also a very dear colleague and a personal friend. Indeed, he had the remarkable habit of turning most of his work associates into friends and was a prestigious networker.  He was devoted to the University and everyone will miss him greatly, but his legacy lives on in the Morgan Academy and in the important strategic partnerships he developed at the University. Our heartfelt condolences at this sad time go to Jane and their family.”