Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia Institute of Higher Education lost a true friend with the passing of Tom Dyer on Monday, Oct. 28. Dyer was a university professor emeritus and vice president for instruction emeritus. He served as the director of IHE from 2003 until his retirement in 2006.
A memorial service honoring Dyer will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens. A reception will immediately follow in the church’s common room.
“Tom Dyer was a true servant of the institution and the finest example of an academic professional,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “In his many leadership positions, including vice president for instruction and, for a short period, provost, he helped guide the university through one of its most critical periods. Through the years, he dispensed much wise counsel to UGA officials, including me, and I spent many hours in his office discussing issues. He will be greatly missed.”
The Institute of Higher Education “wouldn’t be where we are today without Tom’s diligent work on our behalf. He was an outstanding leader and scholar whose forward thinking made a tangible difference here at UGA and beyond. We will deeply miss his intellect, his wit and his friendship,” said Jim Hearn, interim director of IHE.
During his tenure, the productivity and stature of the institute increased dramatically. Currently, its doctoral programs in higher education are ranked sixth among more than 100 ranked programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
“Tom was a good friend and mentor to me, and I am thankful to have known him. His imprint on the Institute of Higher Education and the University of Georgia will be here for generations to come,” said Libby Morris, interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
Dyer’s family has 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 the doctoral program in higher education, visiting scholars and student programs and activities. For more information, see http://ihe.uga.edu/giving.
For a complete obituary, see http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/onlineathens/obituary-print.aspx?n=thomas-dyer&pid=167751461.