Gösta Skoglund was born in Hudiksvall on April 29, 1903, and was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of Umeå University. After completing his elementary school teacher's degree in 1925, Skoglund moved to Umeå, where he became a regular teacher in 1927. He entered politics in 1938 when he became a county councilor in Västerbotten and later a member of the Second Chamber of Parliament between 1940 and 1970. In 1957, Skoglund was appointed Minister of Communications in the Erlander government, a position he held until 1965 when he was succeeded by Olof Palme. Skoglund was also a member of the Nordic Council.
During his time in the Ministry of Communications, Skoglund made significant contributions to the development of the road network, especially in Norrland. Arlanda Airport was built, and the regional airport network was established. Skoglund advocated for Umeå Hospital – now University Hospital of Umeå – to be recognized as a regional hospital and played a crucial role in the founding of Umeå University. Skoglund was appointed an honorary doctor at the Faculty of Dentistry in 1958, even before the formal inauguration of the university in 1965, and in 1972, he became an honorary doctor at the Faculty of Medicine. In connection with Skoglund's 80th birthday in 1983, a fund was established in his memory at the Centre for Regional Science (CERUM), and in 1985, Skoglund received Umeå University's Medal of Merit. A bust of Skoglund is located in the central entrance of the University Hospital of Umeå. In 1982, a road on the university campus in Umeå was named after him, called 'Gösta Skoglunds väg'.
