CLIFTON E. HALEY earned his law degree from the Detroit College of Law (DCL) in 1961 and went on to build a remarkable legacy as a lawyer, educator, leader, philanthropist, and devoted Spartan. Over the course of six decades, his dedication to MSU and the law school has shaped generations of students and helped guide the institution through key milestones. In 1993, Haley was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the MSU College of Law. A lifelong learner, he returned to the classroom in 2003 as an undergraduate student, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary humanities with a concentration in philosophy from the College of Arts and Letters. During this time, he also taught Mergers and Acquisitions as an adjunct professor at MSU Law. He received a second honorary doctorate—this time from Michigan State University— in 2014. Haley played a pivotal role in the 1995 affiliation between DCL and MSU, championing the vision of combining a respected independent law school with a world-class Big Ten university. When the newly affiliated MSU-DCL opened its doors in East Lansing in 1997, Haley joined the Board of Trustees. He was elected board president in 2001 and later named founding board chairman. He continued teaching at the law college for 13 years. Haley’s professional career began with 17 years in domestic and international leadership roles at Ford Motor Company. He went on to launch a leasing and rental venture within Ford, which led to a long and successful career with Budget Rent a Car, where he ultimately served as chairman and CEO. Haley and his wife, Carolyn, reside on Drummond Island in northern Lake Huron, where he has provided pro bono legal services to local families. A licensed pilot since 1965, Haley often flew his small plane—nicknamed “the school bus”—to Lansing multiple times a week for classes, teaching, and board meetings. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity and enduring support, the moot courtroom at the MSU College of Law bears the name of Clifton and Carolyn Haley.
