By Sloane Barlow
After a 13-year battle with cancer, Ronald Fisher – previous dean of the Honors College and long-time professor of economics at Michigan State University – passed away peacefully last month.
Fisher forged a lifelong bond with MSU after graduating from the Honors College with his degree in 1972. From 1996 to 2007, he held the esteemed position of director and then dean of the Honors College and spent 49 years as a professor of economics. Fisher received the Steven D. Gold Award in 2014 for his contributions to the field.
“Ron made significant impacts in and outside of the classroom, including substantial contributions to his field of study,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “As a longstanding Spartan, he was a phenomenal professor, administrator, and mentor to many students, faculty, and staff. His legacy is cherished.”
A lasting Honors College legacy
Fisher spent a decade as the dean of the Honors College, strengthening its reputation and offerings to become impressive program it is today.
“Ron Fisher was the primary architect of the many ways the Honors College grew and changed dramatically and exponentially during his 10-year tenure as its champion, while maintaining its unique core of flexibility and service to students,” said Honors College Assistant Dean Bess German.
“He greatly expanded our portfolio in research, recruitment, scholarships, and alumni and donor engagement to name a few areas including many of the signature initiatives and programs that are a part of our fabric today,” German said.
German began her career at the Honors College hired by Fisher. Now German has dedicated 27 years to the program, following the philosophy of her mentor Fisher and upholding the legacy he built.
“I will always remember him as a visionary who helped to transform the Honors College, as a compassionate leader of our staff, and as a professor who never stopped serving our students – even until his last semester,” German said. “I’ll never forget how he cared for and mentored me, modeling how to innovate with a deep love for MSU.”
Dedicated educator and university leader
After receiving his Ph.D. at Brown University and returning to his home at Michigan State, Fisher spent 49 years as a professor of economics. His courses from introductory economics to the economics of sports impacted countless students.
“Professor Fisher was an outstanding economics educator and I feel very lucky to have had him as my professor,” said Madelyn Snider, 2023 Honors College alumna.
Fisher is remembered by many students as a professor who made even mundane economic concepts fun.
“I didn’t know a drop about economy before his class, and now I have a profound curiosity for economy and now see its importance in my everyday life because of Professor Fisher,” said Gwyneth Dunbar, 2024 Honors College alumna.
Remembered as an inspiration
Long after taking Fisher’s courses, students continue to be inspired by his spirit.
“As I have taken on a role as a TA (teaching assistant) for an introductory Business course, I have strived to be like Professor Fisher,” said Travis Bauer, a second-year Honors College student. “His inspiring legacy will live on here at MSU and beyond.”
Honors College 1982 alumna Molly Brennan had the privilege of having Fisher as an Honors economics professor, working with him as dean of the Honors College, and later knowing him as a friend.
Years later, her son Eamon took the opportunity to have Fisher as his Honors economics professor and greatly enjoyed Fisher’s class and teaching.
“Ron had this remarkable dry sense of humor based on a keen insight, along with a large capacity to enjoy, that he brought to his teaching and life,” Molly Brennan said. “Those who were lucky to know Ron were enriched by his energy, wit, and humanity. I will greatly miss him. He was a rare individual.”
Per Fisher’s request, those wishing to honor his memory can do so through a donation to the Honors College. Please email Tonya Frisbey to contribute to a memorial fund in Fisher’s honor.