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It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Darryl Waldron, professor of business administration at �԰�����. He died Tuesday, Dec. 19 following a brief illness.​

Professor Waldron was a challenging and demanding teacher, a devoted colleague and friend, and a dedicated scholar.  At �԰�����, he taught business policy and international management. Business Policy is the capstone course for all business students and his unwavering standards of excellence inspired a certain amount of fear and anxiety among students. But as one colleague notes, “In our alumni surveys, former students express sincere appreciation for his teaching and that he taught them to analyze and think critically before taking action.”

Waldron joined the �԰����� faculty in 1980 after spending five years as a member of the business school faculty at the University of Memphis. He earned a doctorate in business administration in 1975 from the University of Mississippi. Prior to entering academia, Waldron spent 13 years in industry, including 10 years with Ford Motor Company. Because of his blend of practical and academic experiences he was a sought out expert, serving most recently on the Board of Directors of Biobridge Global.

In addition to teaching, Waldron was an active scholar, authoring or co-authoring more than 75 peer reviewed publications. He focused on the international arena and conducted research pertaining to emerging markets, relationship-based lending, and measuring the contribution of strategy and policy to the creation of shareholder value. He was a mentor to other faculty in using research to inform one’s teaching and vice versa.  

A dedicated colleague, mentor, and friend, known for his laser-like focus, wit, and shrewdness, Waldron was an active member of the �԰����� community. He created the Small Business Person of the Year Award, served as director for numerous faculty searches and committees, assisted in the business program AACSB accreditation process, served as the University’s NCAA faculty representative and was involved in the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship process for deserving student-athletes. Colleagues and friends note Waldron’s fierce loyalty and compassion to those he cared about, helping others through personal and professional challenges with grace and sound advice as attributes they will miss most about him.

A loving and devoted family man, Waldron is survived by his wife Ayon Wen-Waldron, and their two sons, Ethan Alexander and Ayrton Andrew, daughter Ashley Michelle Waldron, and sister, Dawn Allan. The family held a private service to honor his memory and requests no formal memorial service on campus.