ANN ARBOR, Mich.(Diya TV) — S. Sriram, a longtime marketing professor at the University of Michigan, died unexpectedly Aug. 12, 2026. He was 52.
Sriram built a respected academic career while maintaining a lifelong passion for science, learning, and education. He also devoted much of his life to his family, students, colleagues, and friends.
Born Nov. 3, 1973, in India, Sriram grew up in Chennai. He attended DAV Secondary School, where he developed a strong interest in science. He often spent his free time reading physics books at the library.
That curiosity led him to study materials science at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. After college, he worked in sales for a steel company in Mumbai. However, his research interest continued to grow. He eventually chose academia over a long-term career in industry.
Sriram then moved to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in marketing at Purdue University. During his doctoral studies, he met Priya Rajagopal. The couple married on March 6, 2003.
After earning his doctorate, Sriram began his academic career as an assistant professor at SUNY Binghamton. He later joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut. Eventually, he and Priya moved to Ann Arbor, where he joined the marketing faculty at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
At Michigan, Sriram earned tenure and became the Dwight F. Benton Professor of Marketing.
His commitment to the university also led him to serve as associate dean for graduate programs. In that role, he supported students and helped strengthen graduate education. Colleagues remembered him for his dedication and care.
He is survived by his wife, Priya; daughter, Deeksha; and mother, Saroja. His father, Srinivasaraghavan, passed away before him.
