In Memorium Thomas G. Dyer: Director Morris Remembers a Mentor and Friend

Libby Morris

I was privileged to know Tom Dyer for many years. He was a mentor to me, a good friend and academic role model.

In fact, I will forever be grateful that he introduced me to then director of the Institute, Cameron Fincher, and, the Institute overall. For me, three phrases capture the essence of Tom Dyer in his professional life: total integrity and superior judgment, kind counsel, and the pursuit of excellence. Wrapped around these “codes of conduct” he exhibited a warmth and sense of humor which delighted his closest friends. Upon initial encounter, he often frightened graduate students with his high standards and expectations, but in the end they rewarded him with high course evaluations and glowing remarks. In Dr. Dyer’s presence they knew they were engaging in the “life of the mind.”

Professor Dyer grew up on a large farm in Missouri, experienced the hard physical labor of farm life as a teen and young man, and in adulthood, he became the owner of his picturesque boyhood home (pictured right) and farm land that stretched for acres. His love of the Missouri landscape and home led him on a great adventure when in retirement he researched and compiled the documents that would lead to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to being a scholar and gentleman farmer (he followed the agriculture commodity indices with great interest!), Professor Dyer enjoyed many hobbies and activities, including fine food (he was a great cook), gardening and punning (yes, many groans he could elicit from his use of a well-turned word).

I speak for all of his colleagues and former students in the Institute when I say that we miss him deeply. He was as generous in time and resources to all of us in his retirement, as he was during his tenure at the University of Georgia. Our hearts go out to his family, wife Anna, daughter Elizabeth, and son-in-law, Kash.

Upon his passing, the Dyer family graciously requested that donations in his honor be made to the Thomas G. Dyer Academic Support Fund within the Institute. The fund supports the academic mission of the Institute, including doctoral programs in higher education, visiting scholars, and student programs and activities. For more information, please visit ihe.uga.edu/giving.