Michael L. McNulty

Dr. Michael L. McNulty, a distinguished scholar of geography and international education, passed away peacefully on Christmas evening surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of global scholarship, mentorship, and deep personal connections. Born in Ellsworth, Pennsylvania, to Lenora and Regis McNulty, Michael’s early life was shaped by his proud Irish heritage, love of R&B music, travel, books and storytelling. He graduated from Bentleyville High School in 1959 and met Darlene at a dance while attending California State Teachers College. Darlene remained his lifelong partner and subject of one of his numerous short stories.

Michael’s academic journey continued with a fellowship at Northwestern University, where he studied geography with an emphasis on West Africa. This journey was highlighted in 1965 when he and Darlene moved to Ghana for his doctoral research at the University of Ghana. This experience marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for West Africa, and forever tied Ghana to the McNultys due to the birth of their daughter, Shannon, in Accra. His son, Sean, was born a couple years later in Bloomington, Indiana before relocating the family to Iowa City.

Although Michael always had a deep connection to his Pennsylvania roots, he became a fixture of the University of Iowa Department of Geography. Michael not only served for decades as a well-loved professor but also as Associate Provost for International Programs (1995–1999). His work extended beyond the classroom; in 1970, he was a visiting professor at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, focusing on urban and regional development and fostering deep academic and personal ties in the region. Through many yearly visits he spearheaded the organization of professor and student exchange programs between the University of Iowa and other international universities.

Michael and Darlene’s philanthropic spirit led to the establishment of the Drs. Michael L. and Darlene M. McNulty Scholarship, supporting University of Iowa undergraduates in studying abroad in West Africa and continuing his mission of fostering international understanding.

Known for his wit, Michael is remembered as a welcoming personality, with a sense of humor that entertained and endeared him to all that met him. He was a lover of all U of I sports, especially the Hawkeye Football and Wrestling programs. He taught those around him that the world is small if you take the time to understand the individual person and that humor is a universal currency.

Michael is survived by his wife, Darlene, their children: Shannon McNulty-Clayton and husband Darry Clayton, Sean McNulty and wife Megan, six grandchildren: Mikayla & Deklin Clayton, Quinlin, Carson, Margot and Nathaniel McNulty and a global network of former students and colleagues who still remember the effect he had on them.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary, Perrysburg, OH. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 E. Front Street, Perrysburg, Ohio. Burial will follow in St. Rose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Drs. Michael L. and Darlene M. McNulty Scholarship at the University of Iowa International Programs Deans Fund, or the Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter, Northwest Ohio Chapter | Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences can be shared with the family online at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.