Dr. Todd Morgan

All who knew Todd Morgan could attest to his fierce love of his family. He cherished his role as a father with a steadfast commitment to ensuring that his kids were provided with everything they needed. Nothing brought him greater joy than the time he spent with his family. Gone too soon, Todd will be deeply missed and his wonderful collection of memories will fondly live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Reflecting on the year 1981, it was a time of celebration across the nation. The Iran hostage crisis had ended, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer exchanged vows at the royal wedding, and NASA launched its first space shuttle, Space Shuttle Columbia. Earlier that year on May 19th, Cecil and Sandra (Morgan) Dingess welcomed home their newborn son, Todd, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining his older brother, Shaun, his birth brought much joy and happiness to the family.

Growing up in Walker, Todd lived a typical childhood. He and his brother enjoyed the outdoors, especially visiting local parks and finding their fair share of mischief. Six years older, Shaun taught Todd to ride his bike by fail or fly as only older brothers would! Competitive in his youth, Todd played sports and especially enjoyed baseball and football. His educational journey began at Cummings Elementary before later moving to Grandville Middle School. As a teen, he worked at the Highlander Restaurant in Standale. In between shifts, he normally found another stray animal to bring home as he was naturally drawn to animals. After he graduated with the Class of 1999, Todd took a six-week backpacking trip to explore the European countryside. His love for other cultures led him to travel back to Europe many times as well as to other continents in his life. He visited Europe, Poland and Asia; and was especially fond of the British Isles particularly Ireland.

Adventurous and strong-willed, Todd also moved around a bit before setting his sights on a professional career. He landed in California on two occasions. While there, he lived on Hollywood Blvd and worked at a shoe store. He also lived in Traverse City and worked at Milliken’s Department Store. When he was ready to further his education, Todd chose Cleveland State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2005. He also completed his master’s degree just one year later. Earnest in his pursuit of obtaining the top degree in business administration, Todd went on to successfully earn his Ph.D. from Kent State University in 2015.

His first role was as an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Later, he arrived and taught at the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University before joining his alma mater, Cleveland State in 2021. Todd was known in the CSU community as a kind and dedicated colleague as well as a skilled educator. Charming as well as knowledgeable, Todd was well-liked and well-respected by his students. They appreciated his down-to-earth demeanor and were always engaged in his class. Those who guided him in his professional journey as a professor also held him in high regard. Well-regarded in his field, he was known for his research which focused on new product development, innovation, and the impact as well as the competitive advantage of strategic orientations of the firm. In addition to education, Todd also worked as an account executive for Unilever and as a senior marketing analyst and data modular for Amerimark. Anything he set his mind to do, he always followed through and brought his passionate energy to the work.

Not to be forgotten was his ten-year marriage to Terese Reagan. The two of them met in Ohio and married in October of 2010. Todd became a stepdad to Aidan and he and Teresa later welcomed home their son, Aaron. In 2018 Todd and Mary Ann Carandang welcomed their daughter, Cecilia. It was evident to everyone that his children meant the world to him. Todd loved goofing off with them playing video games, having dance-offs, playing at the park, and taking trips to Michigan to enjoy the shoreline and visit local zoos. Any time Todd was around, there was sure to be fun involved! He had real compassion for people and wanted the best for everyone. Todd was a traditional family man. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family especially on holidays and birthdays. Todd loved celebrating his own birthday and he wanted his whole family to be a part of it.

When it came to relaxation, Todd immersed himself in movies and music. He loved Seinfeld and the Band of Brothers series as well as playing board games. Todd also enjoyed learning to play the guitar. He recently was working hard to commit to his own self-care rituals. He was eating healthy and exercising as well as finding a renewed sense of spiritual growth through private study, devotions, and attending church. Open in his home was his devotional and journal where he had recently pondered the promise of Psalm 91:15 “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” Described as well-liked, intellectual, and often serious, may his loved ones find comfort in knowing that these words were fresh in his heart and mind. May he rest in peace and the love he shared be savored by all who were touched by his presence in their lives.

Dr. Todd A. Morgan (Dingess) Ph.D. died unexpectedly on April 19, 2023, in Hudson, Ohio. Todd was born May 19, 1981, in Grand Rapids to Cecil and Sandra (Morgan) Dingess. He graduated from Cleveland State University in 2005 and was awarded his doctorate in business administration from Kent State University in 2015. Todd taught business and finance at the University of Massachusetts, Western Michigan University, and most recently at Cleveland State University. He loved teaching, and world travel, and had a fondness for animals, but being a dad to CeCe and Aaron was the most important part of his life. Todd is survived by his children, Aaron and Cecilia; his parents, Sandra Morgan and Cecil Dingess; his brother, Shaun Dingess; and his niece, Shauna (Nate) Bellaire. Also surviving are his aunts and uncle, Suzanne (Henry) Ykema, Janis (Brent) Metz, Mark Morgan, and Bonnie (Gary) Becker; several special cousins; and close friends and mentors, Paul Mills and Sergey Anokhin.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 1, 2023, at 11 AM at Life Stream Church, 6561 Lake Michigan Drive in Allendale. Friends may visit with family on Sunday, from 2-4 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. The interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Todd’s children’s future education c/o Sandra Morgan. To leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.