Margaret C. "Molly" Broad

margaret  broad
The family of Molly Broad, 81, shares the news of her passing peacefully in the early morning hours of January 2nd. She had been surrounded by family over the holidays and had received her final sacrament on Christmas eve.

Molly was born in Wilkes-Berre, PA to Stanley A and Margaret M Corbett (Kelly) on February 22nd, 1941. The calls to education and leadership were encouraged early in her life as professionally both her parents had been schoolteachers. She was awarded a General Motors Scholarship that allowed her to attend and earn her undergraduate degree in economics from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University in 1962. At Syracuse she met and later married her husband Robert Broad (Bob) in August of 1962. They were married nearly 59 years when Bob passed away in July of 2020. Molly also earned her master’s degree in economics from The Ohio State University before embarking on a distinguished career in Higher Education.

Broad started her professional career at Syracuse University; from 1971–85, she served as Manager of the Office of Budget and Planning, Director of Institutional Research, and Vice President for Government and Corporate Relations. In 1976, she served the Director of the New York State Commission on the Future of Postsecondary Education.

From 1985-92, Broad served as the Chief Executive Officer for the Arizona University System. She then moved to the California State University System, serving as Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance from 1992–93, and Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer from 1993-97.

Broad served as the President of the University of North Carolina system from 1997 to 2006, and was President of the American Council on Education from 2008-2017.

Molly’s story is incomplete without highlighting her connection to family. Her mother played a significant role in helping to raise her two sons and was a constant in their lives and homes for decades. Her lifelong partnership with her husband Bob was her most important accomplishment. They had an incredible knack to know whose turn it was to lead, and whose turn it was to follow and support – they got that dance right for nearly 6 decades and have set an example for family and friends alike.

Molly is survived by her adult son Robert Jr and his children Thea and Charlie, her adult son Matthew and his children Will and Finn. She is also survived by her brother Luke Corbett, and her sister Sheila Gillert (Eric).

Given the timing of Bob’s passing during Covid, the family will plan a memorial service honoring Bob and Molly together on March 10, 2023. Details of the time and location of the service will be shared when they have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers we would direct contributions to the following that honor those things most important to Molly after her family, her faith and her lifelong commitment to provide opportunities to students to further their education, affordably.

givetosu.syr.edu/mollybroad

mailing instructions for those who wish to mail a check, you can use the following address:

o Maxwell School at Syracuse University, 200 Eggers Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244

Molly Corbett Broad ’62, H’09 Washington, D.C. Experiential Learning Fund



https://give.unc.edu/donate?f=656253

The Carolina Covenant is for students from families with a total income that is 200% below the federal poverty guideline. Covenant covers full financial need through grants, scholarships and work-study — no loans.

https://uncnewman.org/give

Newman Center, Chapel Hill, NC

trinity.org/donate-holy-trinity/

Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Washington, DC

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  1. I am very sad to see the news that Molly Broad has passed away. Molly had a brilliant mind, a vision for education excellence, a strong moral compass, a track record of successes at every higher education institution she was a part of, and a was a trail blazer throughout her career. It was my privilege to know Molly and Bob for the last 30+ years, to see first-hand Molly’s accomplishments in the Arizona university system, and to work with her during her tenure at UNC.

    To Molly’s family, your mother and father (grandmother and grandfather) were about the best model for a married couple I have seen. My sincere sympathies to you all.

    Steve Chanen
    Phoenix, Arizona

    • Thank you, Steve. The Chanen family continues to hold a special spot in the Broad family. I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing – blessings to all.

  2. This is Sandy Winchester your mother‘s hairdresser for 11 years I loved her very much and one of the most important things I remember is she came into the salon with her red cowboy boots on I said where did you get those cowboy boots and she said in Phoenix and I just love them she was a wonderful wonderful person and my condolences go out to the family Sandy Winchester


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