Joseph Ziegler, Professor of Economics, Dies at Age 67

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Joseph A. Ziegler

Joseph A. Ziegler, 67, long-time member of the faculty in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, passed away March 9 in Fayetteville.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 13, and a rosary and visitation will take place today, Thursday, March 12.

“The Walton College has lost a great friend and valued colleague with the passing of Joe Ziegler,” Walton College Dean Eli Jones said. “Years ago, Joe recognized the importance of study abroad programs and global awareness for business students. His legacy will be long lasting, and our students will be the ones to benefit.”

Ziegler had been a professor of economics for 40 years at the Walton College. He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota and his doctoral degree from Notre Dame. After two years on the faculty of Clemson University, he joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 1973.

Ziegler served as chair of the department of economics from 1987 to 2009. His years as department chair were marked by a dramatic increase in the department’s national and international reputation. 

During that time he also served as director of international business studies in the Walton College and pioneered major expansions of the college’s study abroad programs and international partnerships. He led the development of the Bachelor of Science in International Business degree. In 2010, he led the consolidation of business international programs as co-director of the Walton College Global Engagement Office. 

Rosary will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, followed by visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelson's Funeral Home in Fayetteville. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fayetteville.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends can honor Ziegler’s legacy by making a contribution to the Joe Ziegler Study Abroad Scholarship. Gifts can be sent to the University of Arkansas Foundation, 535 Research Center Blvd., Ste. 120, Fayetteville, AR 72701, or give online at https://onlinegiving.uark.edu/.