Michael R. Metzger, an economics professor and popular instructor at the University of Central Oklahoma who had undertaken many research projects examining Oklahoma's economy, died on Jan. 4 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City after a short illness. Dr. Metzger was 53. The cause of death was cancer. Dr. Metzger founded and served as Director of the Oklahoma League of Economists and UCO's Oklahoma Policy Research Center. He managed regular surveys of economists throughout Oklahoma concerning their opinions on important policy issues. A new academic journal focusing on the Oklahoma economy, Oklahoma Policy Studies Review, was founded by Dr. Metzger, who served as editor. He had recently completed Oklahoma related research projects looking at the local economic impact of a regional state university and economic issues involving Oklahoma's Medicaid program. At the time of his death, Dr. Metzger was directing a research project on behalf of a committee created by the Oklahoma Legislature examining statistical evidence on the economics of school district administrative consolidation. Dr. Metzger was born, February 19, 1951 at Enid, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he majored in mathematics as an undergraduate and received a master's degree in economics. After being granted a full scholarship in economics at Stanford University, he received a Ph.D. in 1977. He was employed as a research economist in Washington, D.C., from 1977-1991 where he served at George Washington University, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission. Dr. Metzger returned to his native state in 1991 and joined the faculty of the Department of Economics of the University of Central Oklahoma. He was departmental chairman from 1992 - 2002. Dr. Metzger is survived by his parents, Delores and Arnold Metzger of Yukon, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his many students and colleagues. The tragedy of his all too-early death is emphasized by the fact that one of his favorite upper division courses at UCO was at capacity for the spring semester of 2005.
Thanks Ted for posting Mike's obituary. Mike and I had many good times together while taking chemistry 4 together and helping other students through chemistry. He was a good guy.
When my family first moved back to Anchorage in September 1967, we live in an apartment building at 8th and M street. Mike and his family resided in the same building. When most of us would be out on the weekends doing whatever, Mike would be studying. I remember Mike as a quiet guy who devoted his time to his sudies. He particulary liked math. It did not surprise me to read he became a professor with a Ph.D. Rest in peace MIke !
Ted Harper
Mike died January 4, 2005. His obituary:
Michael R. Metzger, an economics professor and popular instructor at the University of Central Oklahoma who had undertaken many research projects examining Oklahoma's economy, died on Jan. 4 at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City after a short illness. Dr. Metzger was 53. The cause of death was cancer. Dr. Metzger founded and served as Director of the Oklahoma League of Economists and UCO's Oklahoma Policy Research Center. He managed regular surveys of economists throughout Oklahoma concerning their opinions on important policy issues. A new academic journal focusing on the Oklahoma economy, Oklahoma Policy Studies Review, was founded by Dr. Metzger, who served as editor. He had recently completed Oklahoma related research projects looking at the local economic impact of a regional state university and economic issues involving Oklahoma's Medicaid program. At the time of his death, Dr. Metzger was directing a research project on behalf of a committee created by the Oklahoma Legislature examining statistical evidence on the economics of school district administrative consolidation. Dr. Metzger was born, February 19, 1951 at Enid, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he majored in mathematics as an undergraduate and received a master's degree in economics. After being granted a full scholarship in economics at Stanford University, he received a Ph.D. in 1977. He was employed as a research economist in Washington, D.C., from 1977-1991 where he served at George Washington University, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission. Dr. Metzger returned to his native state in 1991 and joined the faculty of the Department of Economics of the University of Central Oklahoma. He was departmental chairman from 1992 - 2002. Dr. Metzger is survived by his parents, Delores and Arnold Metzger of Yukon, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his many students and colleagues. The tragedy of his all too-early death is emphasized by the fact that one of his favorite upper division courses at UCO was at capacity for the spring semester of 2005.
Robert Peters
Thanks Ted for posting Mike's obituary. Mike and I had many good times together while taking chemistry 4 together and helping other students through chemistry. He was a good guy.
Robert Nesvick (Nesvick)
When my family first moved back to Anchorage in September 1967, we live in an apartment building at 8th and M street. Mike and his family resided in the same building. When most of us would be out on the weekends doing whatever, Mike would be studying. I remember Mike as a quiet guy who devoted his time to his sudies. He particulary liked math. It did not surprise me to read he became a professor with a Ph.D. Rest in peace MIke !