Maurice "Morrie" William Scherrens, 76, of Newberry, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on April 6, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and children.

Born on July 13, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Morrie was the oldest of five children of the late Maurice and Marion (Kaiser) Scherrens. He earned both his undergraduate degree and Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University. In his final year at CMU, Morrie was selected in the final draft of the Vietnam War. He went on to honorably serve four years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Washington, D.C.

Following his military service, Morrie devoted 35 years to George Mason University, where he was a pivotal figure in its transformation from a small commuter college to Virginia's largest public university. As senior vice president, he helped lead the institution through a time of remarkable growth and innovation. He also taught courses in ethics and graduate-level finance, mentoring hundreds of students along the way. In 2009, Virginia Business magazine recognized his leadership by naming him CFO of the Year for large nonprofit organizations. More than a decade later, his impact on higher education was again honored when, in 2022, he received the James T. Rogers Distinguished Leadership Award—the highest recognition given by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

In 2012, Morrie became the 22nd president of Newberry College. Over the next thirteen years, he led the college through a transformative era. Under his leadership, the college added graduate programs, grew enrollment by nearly 60%, and expanded campus infrastructure with the first new buildings since the 1970s—including academic spaces, residence halls, and athletic facilities. Most importantly, he cultivated a culture that placed students at the heart of every decision. Morries's love of Newberry College permeated everything he did, as he would often say, "There's no place in the world I would rather be."

A colleague once reflected, "Morrie lived with vision, humility, and a profound sense of responsibility to others. His legacy will live on in the institutions he shaped, the students he inspired, and the countless lives he touched."

The Board of Trustees of Newberry College credits Dr. Scherrens with inspiring an infectious belief in what the college could become. As the current chair recently shared, "Dr. Scherrens leaves behind a legacy of remarkable accomplishments—but perhaps his most enduring gift was his unwavering belief in the college's potential. He challenged us to dream bigger, to reach higher, and to trust in the promise of our shared mission. His visionary spirit and steadfast encouragement will continue to guide us, lighting the path to a future even brighter than we dare imagine."

Morrie's own academic path reflected his deep devotion to learning. In addition to his MBA, he earned a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctorate from The George Washington University—credentials that enriched his work as both a leader and educator.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Morrie enjoyed a 20-year career as an NCAA Division I football official. He was selected to officiate several prestigious bowl games, including the Fiesta Bowl, Gator Bowl, and Cotton Bowl, a testament to his passion and excellence on the field.

Above all and until the end, Morrie was driven by humility, kindness, integrity, and an unshakable optimism. He poured his boundless energy into lifting others up—always believing in people's potential and meeting them with patience and understanding. He had a gift for finding a way forward, no matter the challenge, and for bringing people along with him in a spirit of joy and collaboration. His laugh was infectious, his anger nonexistent, his compassion limitless. He loved his family with his whole heart and gave himself fully to those around him. No student or concern was ever too small to matter—his door was always open, and it was often filled with people who came not just for advice, but for his calming presence. He cared deeply about helping others discover what mattered most to them. As one former supervisee recalled, "Morrie told me the most important thing in life is to figure out what the most important thing in life to you is." That was Morrie—forever helping people find their path, their purpose, and themselves.

Morrie shared his journey with his wife and partner in education, Sandy Scherrens, who served the George Mason community with distinction as Vice President for University Life and later as Dean of Enrollment Management at Newberry College. Together, they dedicated their lives to the service of students and the advancement of education.

Morrie is survived by his wife of nearly 16 years (April 17), Sandy, of Newberry, SC; his four children: Jessie (Greg) Campbell of Sneads Ferry, NC; Genevieve (Salvador) Scherrens of Clifton, VA; Philip Scherrens of San Francisco, CA; and Dylan Mackeben of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren: Austin, Ethan, Nathan, Andy and Juliana; three brothers: Mark (Beverly) Scherrens of Louisville, KY; Mike (Vicki) Scherrens of Sparta, MI; and Matt (Debbie) Scherrens of Grandville, MI; and nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marilynn (Dave) Bernhard.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Wiles Chapel at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newberry Fund at Newberry College at www.newberry.edu/giving/givenow.

Memories and messages may be shared with the family on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Scherrens family.