One of the original members of the School of Business and Economics has retired after a career at SPU that spanned 37 years, from 1977 until the end of the academic year last June.
Associate Professor of Economics Jonathan Deming served as both the economics faculty and the curriculum coordinator during SBE’s earliest years. He helped shape the development of the School of Business and Economics and its instructional program as it grew from five to 23 full-time faculty.
Jon knew this was where he belonged even during his original interview for the job, when questions focused on his personal faith journey, his sense of mission, and his calling to Seattle Pacific. He was ultimately elected to, served on, and chaired numerous faculty committees, including GE Revision, Athletic Committee, Faculty Affairs, Undergraduate Curriculum, and Faculty Council. His record of dedicated service to the University impacted SPU governance, curricula, and student life.
Jon has been known as a classroom teacher, an advisor, and a mentor, one who sees faith and economics as being complementary. In his 37 years he taught more than 150 sections of principles of economics and 8,000 students. Due to this longevity, it was not uncommon for students to arrive with anecdotes from their parents’ experience in Professor Deming’s class. Both in and outside the classroom, he has enjoyed a reputation for humor, creativity, innovation, caring, and Diet Coke.
He has also contributed to the larger economics community through his professional affiliation with the Western Economic Association International (WEAI), the Association of Christian Economists (ACE), the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA), and the Western Regional Science Association (WRSA), and through papers presented at their meetings. He has been a consultant in economics and business, and an expert witness for the courts.
Jon has been recognized by the American Economic Association (AEA) Teaching Innovations Program, served as associate director of the SPU Center for Economics Education, presented at education conferences, and taught teacher education workshops.
Jon and his wife Patricia have been married 40 years. They attend Kent Covenant Church, where they are active in adult ministry. After retirement, they plan to finish a house on Whidbey Island, read, travel, spoil their six grandchildren, and “very slowly” grow older together.