Loss of Wally Tyner reverberates around the world

Tyner passed away on August 17 after a brief illness, leaving a void in the lives of his family, colleagues and students. During his 42-year tenure at Purdue, Tyner earned a global reputation for his research in the areas of energy, agriculture, climate and natural resource policy analysis, as well as his incisive ability to apply that research to current issues and challenges. He earned the trust of leaders in the U.S. Congress, the White House and many foreign countries. He also was routinely interviewed by major media outlets from around the world.

“He was always willing to share his insights on energy, the environment and other policy issues with students, stakeholders and government officials,” said Marshall Martin, professor of agricultural economics, assistant dean, senior associate director of Agricultural Research and Graduate Education and a long-time colleague of Tyner. “His passing is a great loss, personally and professionally.”

Tyner was also passionate about communication, said Farzad Taheripour, associate professor of agricultural economics. Taheripour came to Purdue as a post-doctorate associate to work with Tyner and stayed as a faculty member to continue this work. In the past 14 years, Taheripour authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and other publications with his mentor and colleague.

“Everyone loved him and wanted to work with him,” Taheripour added. “He explained complex topics in such simple ways.”

“He conducted critical research and then passionately devoted himself to communicating his findings to audiences that ranged from small gatherings throughout Indiana to global conferences,” said Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Purdue Agriculture.

Jay Akridge, Purdue University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity and former dean of the College of Agriculture, first met Tyner when he arrived at Purdue as a graduate student in agricultural economics.

“Beyond his contributions as an economist, Wally was an extraordinary leader, mentor and teacher, receiving national recognition for his work with graduate students. His passionate leadership inspired us all to follow his example and do work that would truly make a difference,” Akridge said. “He worked tirelessly and selflessly to promote the success of others, and took deep satisfaction in the achievements of those who studied with him and worked for him or with him. In every role he had, Wally represented the very best of Purdue.”

Tyner’s mentoring occurred in many places, from the classroom to the farm field to congressional hearings, even to the tennis court.

“We used to play tennis every Sunday,” Hertel said. “It was a form of church for us. He was a very good tennis player and a very good mentor. During that time, he gave me a lot of advice, not just about professional matters but personal ones as well. He was often business-like on the surface, but he was a softy underneath and a tremendous source of support for his friends, family and students.”