Regents’ Proceedings February 15, 2001

Regents' Resolution

The Regents of the University of Michigan congratulate and express their deep appreciation to Paul A. Spradlin, special adviser to the executive vice president and chief financial officer, upon his retirement. 

During the past three decades of a University career that has spanned forty-nine years and six presidencies, Paul has played an integral role on every major campus construction project, essentially building the campus as we know it.

Hired by the zoology department shortly after graduating from Ann Arbor High School, Paul quickly distinguished himself. To every assignment - as a technician, instrument maker, laboratory supervisor, administrative assistant in the Literary College, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, director of Plant Extension, and associate vice president for business operations - he has brought brilliant management skills, an ability to work effectively with faculty and staff, and a gracious, self-effacing humor.

He has overseen construction and renovations totaling billions of dollars, including the lowering of the football field in Michigan Stadium, the razing of Old Main Hospital, and the construction of the new University Hospital, as well as the renovation and construction of dozens of classroom and office buildings. More recently, Paul has led an effort to preserve University history by using new technologies to show what the campus looked like more than 100 years ago, and in so doing, he has created a rich resource for historians and campus planners.

The Regents salute Paul Spradlin for his many years of distinguished service to the University of Michigan, and extend to him best wishes for a healthy and fulfilling retirement.

A round of applause followed, after which Mr. Spradlin thanked the Regents and commented on how the University had changed during his 49-year tenure.

Paul A Sprdlin Obiturary 

Published in Ann Arbor News on Feb. 15, 2018

Paul A. Spradlin, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family Sunday, February 11, 2018 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born December 12, 1931 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, the son of George W. & Ollie (Allen) Spradlin. In 1951 Paul married Judith P. Halloway in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Paul's family moved to Ann Arbor in 1943. In 1951 he graduated from old Ann Arbor High School. 

He began a long career at the University of Michigan starting as a lab technician in Zoology. He moved up as an Assistant to the Dean of LS&A and the Dean of the Business School simultaneously. He became Director of Plant Extension where he spent over 20 years with oversight of plant engineering and construction management, including space assignment and management. 

He enjoyed work immensely and his quiet and unassuming way led to an appointment as Interim Associate Vice President of Business Operations in 1996. He retired in 2001 as a Special Advisor to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. 

After retirement he consulted on the construction of Skyline High School, the Humane Society of Huron Valley, and the Washtenaw Community College Fitness Center among many other projects. 

Paul was optimistic and forward thinking. Kind and generous, he was always willing to help everyone however he could. He was frequently consulted on a wide variety of topics including building and repairing things at work and at home. He was an avid stock market fan and investor. 

He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ypsilanti. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Loiabelle (Dukes) Spradlin, his sister Bethel Lee Ramey, his brothers Edsel, Erdman, and Herrin (Herb) Spradlin, and an infant sister. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Judith, his four children, David (Donna LaRose), Phillip (Rene Gougeon-Spradlin), Gail (Philip) Whitehead, Helen Spradlin and four grandchildren, Julian Spradlin, Sean Spradlin, Marisa Spradlin, and Thomas Whitehead. He is also survived by his stepbrother Clarence (C.E.) Dukes, sisters-in-law Madeline Spradlin and Mary Spradlin, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the Evangelical Home, Shared Care Services and Arbor Hospice for their care and support.The funeral service will take place on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 North Washington St., Ypsilanti, MI, with Pastor Keith Geiselman officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor.