Esteemed Economics Emeritus Passes Away

A Rememberence of Dr. Gail Blattenberger

The Department of Economics is sad to announce the passing of Emeritus Professor Gail Blattenberger (1947-2023) on December 4, 2023.  

Gail was raised in Princeton, NJ, received her bachelor’s degree at Smith College in 1968 and earned her PhD from the University of Michigan in 1977.  After graduation, Gail was a senior economist for Data Resources and for Econometric Research, Inc.   During this time, Gail was also a visiting professor in the department at Utah and joined the faculty as a full-time professor in 1988.  She was awarded tenure the following year.   Her extensive academic research covered areas in theoretical and applied Bayesian statistics, macro econometrics, and environmental policy.  

From early on, Gail was a dedicated teacher.  While in college in 1965, Gail volunteered to teach mathematics to high school students in St. Augustine and while there was a victim of an attempted fire-bombing.  Her work was later honored by the Accord Freedom Trail.  For over 30 years, Gail was a volunteer teacher at the Guadalupe School and just a few months ago received the Suzanne Weiss Service Award for her exemplary service.   In 2014 she was awarded Gandhi Peace Award for her lifelong dedication to peace, poverty, and the environment.  Gail was actively involved in Utah environmental protection and served as a board member of the Utah Rivers Council. 

Gail was an extraordinary teacher, gifted scholar, valued colleague, and devoted friend.  She will be missed by the University community.