Marie Dye (1891-1974) was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from University High School there, and then attended the University of Chicago, completing B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in 1914, 1917, and 1922, respectively. In 1923 she joined the Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) faculty as an Assistant Professor of Nutrition. The following year she was promoted to Associate Professor, and in the 1930 became a full Professor and the Dean of the College of Home Economics. During her administration, research in Home Economics was initiated, the college was expanded and departmentalized, and is scope broadened. Upon her retirement in 1956, she moved to Winter Park, Florida.

A nationally known leader in Home Economics, she served as president of both the American and Michigan Home Economics Associations. She was also active in the American Dietetic Association, the Institute of Nutrition, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, among others, and received a number of honors including election to Phi Beta Kappa and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Michigan State University.

(Source: Press Release, April 20, 1972, Michigan State University Department of Information Services.)