Death of Professor Emeritus Tom Tiemann

Professor Emeritus of Economics Tom Tiemann, a recipient of the Elon Medallion and one of the chief architects in the development of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 22, at his home in Carrboro, North Carolina. He was 75.

A renowned Elon faculty member who served the university for more than 30 years, Tiemman was founding dean of the school and later served as the Jefferson-Pilot Professor of Economics, working tirelessly to enrich the intellectual climate of the campus and prepare students to be engaged citizens of the world. He also served as chair of the Department of Economics; director of General Studies, now known as the Elon Core Curriculum; and director of the Business Fellows program.

Highly respected among his colleagues, Tiemann was a positive force for change, helping to lead the transition during the 1990s to the four-credit-hour system. Throughout his distinguished career, he was a passionate believer in global engagement and spearheaded efforts to internationalize the Love School by creating the international business dual-degree program, leading study abroad courses, serving as a guest faculty member at the Cracow University of Economics in Poland, and serving on the faculty for the Elon in New York program.

A recognized scholar, Tiemann authored more than 50 research papers focused on topics ranging from urban economics to the role of farmers markets in sustaining communities and American commuting habits in the 21st century, a subject he knew well thanks to his more than 20 years of carpooling to work with his colleagues.

One of Elon’s most inspiring teachers, scholars, and mentors, Tiemann received the Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2003. He retired in 2014 and was awarded the Elon Medallion, Elon’s highest honor, in 2016.

Tiemann is survived by his wife, Eileen McGrath. Plans for a service are pending.