Remembering Dr. W. Cris Lewis 1940-2021

Dr. W. Cris Lewis was born in Chicago on Nov. 5, 1940. He graduated in Economics and Statistics in 1962 from Brigham Young University, received an MBA from Northwestern University in 1964, a PhD in Economics and Statistics from Iowa State University in 1969, and accepted a teaching position at the University of Oklahoma. During graduate school, Lewis served from 1962-1969 as an active-duty soldier and reservist in the U.S. Army, where he trained in an artillery unit and military intelligence.

From 1972 to his retirement in 2007, Dr. Lewis taught Economics at Utah State University where he also served as head of the Economics Department, Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs, and director of the MBA Program in the College of Business. A naturally gifted teacher, he delivered his lectures with the brilliance, wit, and confidence of a true expert. Lewis authored and co-authored many academic papers and textbooks, including the popular textbook Managerial Economics. He was a much sought-after forensic economics expert specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

During the last year of his life, Dr. Lewis provided scholarship support to USU students conducting research in economics and finance. Many students have already been greatly blessed by his generosity, and have felt deeply humbled and grateful for his efforts to assist them in their educational pursuits.

In addition to his financial contribution to students, Dr. Lewis will be remembered for his generosity of both time and spirit. He taught and mentored thousands of students during his 37 years at USU, and always praised others’ accomplishments and abilities. Well-spoken, patient, kind, and ever the perfect gentleman, he was well loved and respected by students, faculty, and staff alike. Dr. Lewis passed away at his home in Bountiful, Utah on May 15, 2021. He will be sincerely missed by everyone at the Huntsman School.