Bill Greiner

Bill Greiner
Greiner, Buffalo, New York, 1991
13th President of the University at Buffalo
In office 1991–2004
Preceded by	Steven Sample
Succeeded by	John B. Simpson
Personal details
Born	William R. Greiner June 9, 1934 Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	December 19, 2009(2009-12-19) (aged 75) Cleveland, Ohio
Spouse(s)	Carol (Morrissey) Greiner
Children	Kevin, Terrence, Susan, Daniel
Alma mater	Yale University, Wesleyan University
Profession	Law, Higher education, Academic administration

William R. "Bill" Greiner (June 9, 1934 – December 19, 2009) was President of the University at Buffalo (UB) in the State University of New York (SUNY) system from 1991 to 2004, where he worked for 42 years. Prior to becoming President, Greiner served in other capacities in the University at Buffalo Law School, and in UB's administration. He was educated at both Yale University and Wesleyan University, earning degrees in economics and law, including a doctorate in law from Yale. Under Greiner's leadership, research, educational, sports, arts, and student living complexes were constructed. Greiner co-wrote two books. He retired from UB in 2009, and died shortly thereafter due to heart surgery complications.

Greiner was born on June 9, 1934 in Meriden, Connecticut. An individual of Irish and German heritages, Greiner was raised in Meriden as an only child. Greiner met Carol Morrissey, who would become his wife, when they were young children in Meriden. Greiner was awarded scholarships to both Wesleyan University and Yale University; and he worked during his time as a student. Greiner earned his baccalaureate degree in economics from Wesleyan University; and three subsequent degrees from Yale University. At Yale, Greiner earned a master's in economics, master's in law, and doctorate in law. Before entering law school, Greiner married Carol Morrisey. They then had four children - Kevin, Terrence, Susan, and Daniel - within five years. Prior to taking a position as a UB Law School faculty member in 1967, Bill was a School of Business faculty member at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Greiner began his career at UB in 1967 as a member of the University at Buffalo Law School, serving as Chair of the Legal Studies Department. He also served as Associate Provost and Associate Dean of the Law School. From 1980 to 1983, Greiner was Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; and from 1983 to 1984, he served as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. Greiner became UB's first Provost in 1984 prior to serving as Interim President between from 1991 to 1992. Among the classes Greiner taught at UB were Honors seminars, including Law and the Legal Process and Introduction to Law. Greiner also taught other classes in the UB Law School, including Tax Law and Property Law.