I have had many colleagues through my long professional life but none were like Meng. Even after our professional relationship ended when I left the world of Institutional Research, he made sure that our friendship grew. I will be forever grateful for the time he spent with my son, enriching his life with his advice and companionship. Meng was good and decent to the core, but better than me, understood the ways of the world. His advice was always valuable. He had a deep understanding and empathy toward others, and there were likely many others who, like me, were touched by his kindness. The world is diminished by his absence, but his goodness endures.   

I am so saddened to hear the news.   Even though I only met  Meng a few times, I will always remember his kindness and generosity. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to know Meng.

May the great memories of Meng comfort his family and other friends.

I worked with Meng at Eastern Michigan University. He was always kind and our interactions were always enjoyable. I remember we often talked about football because he knew I was a Packers fan. He cared about people and was interested in their interests. 

I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ would comfort all who feel loss during this difficult time with his presence. 

I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and other friends. 

Like Michael said, he recognized potential in people and did his best to help them grow. I owe my career in IR to him. He brought me into the field and then provided guidance, support, and encouragement. He was an email, text, or phone call away and always helped me when I reached out, even after moving on to SUNY.  We had a lot of laughs in the office; he was a good sport when joking around.

It is difficult to know what to say because it feels impossible to provide comfort to the grief so many feel.  I hope the family recognizes that Meng touched many people although they may be unable to put it into words.

I am stunned to hear about this, Meng was a good friend, we worked together for 3 years and he was always kind to people, and make all-out efforts in his work.

My deepest sympathies to Meng’s family and may your memory shine brightly and your spirit find peace.

I had the great privilege of working under Dr. Meng Chen for 14 months. Though that may seem brief in the span of a lifetime, the impact he made on me—both personally and professionally—was profound and enduring. He was not only a supervisor but a true mentor. I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and for the confidence he placed in me, even when I was still finding my footing. He recognized potential in me that I had not yet seen in myself.

Dr. Chen’s door was always open—not only for work matters, but also for guidance, encouragement, and wise counsel. He had a remarkable way of challenging you to stretch your limits while making sure you felt supported every step of the way. From him, I learned lessons not just about work, but about integrity, leadership, and kindness. His wisdom, patience, and genuine care created an environment where we could all grow and thrive. The lessons he imparted will remain with me throughout my life.

My deepest sympathies go to his beloved family. The world has lost an extraordinary leader and a truly good man. Thank you, Brother Chen, for your belief, your guidance, and your friendship. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.