Max Wortman Jr., distinguished professor of management, died Friday at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

He was 72 years old. According to the Ames Tribune, Wortman suffered a massive stroke at his home Friday morning and passed away later in the day.

“Max was beloved among students and his fellow faculty members,” College of Business Dean Labh Hira said. “His dedication to teaching, mentoring and service to the community and the profession were unmatched.”

Wortman’s love for academia is evident from his 49 years of teaching at various institutions, including the University of Iowa, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, the University of Tennessee and Iowa State.

In addition to teaching, Wortman was very active in the community and at Iowa State. He was a member of the Faculty Senate, served as president and chairman of numerous committees for the Academy of Management, was president for the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and was the founding editor of the Academy of Management Review.

Wortman earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State College in 1956 and his doctorate in business administration from the University of Minnesota in 1962.

“It is an enormous loss for the college, and it is shocking to me that someone with such a love for life and the profession is gone forever,” Hira said. “Max was deeply committed to Iowa State University and will be missed tremendously.”

Other interests in church, civic and political activities led Wortman to serve on numerous local and state committees and commissions.

Wortman’s most recent awards are a lifetime achievement award in entrepreneurship, a lifetime achievement award of supporting women and minorities and an innovation in teaching award. He published more than 150 journal articles and proceedings and nine books.

A memorial service for Wortman is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 17 at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Max S. Wortman Professorship, c/o ISU Foundation, 2505 Elwood Dr., Ames, IA, 50010.