Jack Chizmar arrived at Illinois State University in 1971, having completed his doctorate at Boston College. A native of Pennsylvania, he headed to the Midwest because Illinois State was the best of five job offers.
Chizmar joined the Department of Economics, teaching economic history before shifting to quantitative classes. For 10 years he worked with students from undergraduate to the Doctor of Arts level.
“I loved being in front of the classroom. When the light bulb goes off for a student, that is an awesome moment,” shared Chizmar, who was a recipient of the University Teaching Award.
He shifted to the administrative side, taking on College of Arts and Sciences program review work before moving to the Provost’s office to handle program review for the University. He became associate vice president for Business and Finance before serving as an assistant to President Thomas Wallace in charge of planning and resource management.
“I enjoyed meeting so many people from all over campus and working together to achieve university goals,” Chizmar said. After a decade, he was ready to return to his teaching roots. He dedicated another 10 years to teaching statistics and undergraduate econometrics before retiring in 2002.
“My joke on opening day was ‘Welcome to economic sadistics,’” he said, adding that he also told his students “there would be no crying in statistics.”
A scholar in the economics of education, Chizmar’s research garnered national recognition. His Illinois State legacy lives on through the Dr. John Chizmar-Dr. Anthony Ostrosky Endowment, which funds an economics student and a university wide Scholarship in Teaching and Learning faculty award.
Still living in Normal, Chizmar enjoys golfing, reading and gardening. He and his wife, Linda, delight in being grandparents.
To reconnect with Chizmar, send an email to jfchizma@ilstu.edu.
