Veteran economist and beloved professor Thomas Roger DeGregori died Sunday, June 22, at age 90, leaving behind a powerful legacy and scores of students, colleagues and societies positively impacted by his work.
In 1967, DeGregori joined the University of Houston, where he spent a significant majority of his decades-long career in academia. Within a year at UH, he earned tenure. By his second year, he was elected to lead the department of economics, where he served as department chair from 1969-71. He was awarded professor emeritus status in 2021, a designation that is only given to retired tenured faculty who made a significant contribution to the university.
"Tom gave 53 years to UH and the Economics Department before he retired during COVID, and to the last he was a passionate teacher and intensely curious thinker," said economics department chair, Dietrich Vollrath.
As a professor, DeGregori was renowned for his dynamic classroom presence and engaging lectures that left lasting impressions on students. His teaching excellence was reflected in consistently high student evaluations throughout his career. Many former students reached out to him years after graduation to share how his courses had prepared them for success.
But DeGregori's powerful legacy stretches far beyond the University of Houston's 895 acres. An internationally sought-after consultant and speaker, DeGregori helped numerous countries think strategically about how to leverage science and technology to strengthen their economy. His work took him to South Africa, Sudan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan, where he consulted on agricultural development and economic policy.
"Tom did not confine his work to academia, spending years working with USAID across the developing world to assist in implementing new agricultural technologies. He leaves an immense legacy as a colleague, teacher, advocate and friend," said Vollrath.
A prolific scholar, DeGregori authored five books, edited five other books and published multiple scholarly articles during his lifetime. He served on various editorial and advisory boards, including the Board of Directors of the American Council on Science and Health. His areas of expertise included global food production, agricultural technology, and economic development in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
"Tom's commitment to creating a better world through science, technology and education reflects the best of what our faculty strive to achieve,” said Daniel P. O’Connor, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. “His legacy of using knowledge to serve humanity will continue to inspire faculty and students for generations to come."