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Allan Spritzer Obituary
Dr. Allan D. Spritzer
March 27, 2025
Business Education
Visionary,
ETSU Dean Emeritus,
and Community Leader
Dr. Allan D. Spritzer, Dean Emeritus of the College of Business and Technology at East Tennessee State University, distinguished educator, and beloved mentor, passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 83.
With vision and determination, Dr. Spritzer transformed business education in Northeast Tennessee during his 40-year tenure at ETSU. When President Ron Beller recruited him as dean in August 1981, he was charged with securing the prestigious AACSB accreditation for the College of Business. Armed with resources for 14 new faculty positions, Dr. Spritzer united academics, students, and business leaders around this ambitious goal, successfully achieving AACSB accreditation in 1987-a milestone that significantly elevated the institution's national standing.
His leadership established numerous innovative programs that continue benefiting students and the regional business community today. In 1999, he was appointed to the prestigious Allen and Ruth Harris Chair of Excellence in Business, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2020.
Throughout his career, Dr. Spritzer advocated passionately for academic excellence and rigorous accreditation standards. His influential work with AACSB included creating "Deans on Deaning," an educational resource that continues guiding future business school leaders. Colleagues praise his ability to balance scholarly achievement with practical business preparation, creating generations of successful graduates.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, Dr. Spritzer built an exceptional academic foundation with a bachelor's degree in economics from the City College of New York, a master's degree in industrial and labor relations from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Dr. Spritzer's contributions to business education earned widespread recognition, including the 2012 Outstanding Scholar Award and fellowship in the American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences. ETSU honored him with triple emeritus status (Professor, Dean, and Chair of Excellence), the 2021 ETSU National Alumni Association Honorary Alumnus of the Year award, and induction into the 2022 ETSU College of Business and Technology Hall of Fame for Faculty Lifetime Achievement.
His impact extended well beyond campus. As a founding board member and Vice-President of the Northeast Tennessee Economic Development Corporation (NETEDC), Dr. Spritzer helped secure 159 loans totaling $10.8 million, creating 743 regional jobs. He was instrumental in establishing the Small Business Development Center at ETSU, providing essential support to countless local entrepreneurs. His strategic guidance and meticulous attention to detail made him invaluable to numerous civic, professional, and charitable organizations throughout Northeast Tennessee.
Colleagues and former students remember Dr. Spritzer as an exceptional mentor who fostered innovation while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity. His thoughtful leadership style-characterized by careful listening, wise counsel, and unwavering dedication to institutional and student welfare-earned profound respect throughout the university and business community.
Dr. Spritzer was married for 42 years to the late Cecilia McNutt Spritzer. He is survived by his son, Shaun Pezant (Judy); his grandson, Evan Pezant (Marley); and his sister, Barbara Firestone.
The family will inter Dr. Spritzer alongside his wife, Cecilia, in a private ceremony. A celebration of Dr. Spritzer's life will be held at the Tindall Lobby at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 3rd, from 2:00–4:30 p.m. The family will receive guests beginning at 2:00, with remarks and remembrances starting at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Allan D. and Cecilia M. Spritzer Business Scholarship Endowment to continue Dr. Spritzer's legacy of supporting business education and student success. Checks can be made payable to ETSU Foundation, PO Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please reference Allen and Cecilia Spritzer Business Scholarship.
Dr. Allan Spritzer's transformative impact on East Tennessee State University, business education standards, regional economic development, and the countless lives he touched will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.
Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Spritzer family. (423)928-6111.
March 27, 2025
Business Education
Visionary,
ETSU Dean Emeritus,
and Community Leader
Dr. Allan D. Spritzer, Dean Emeritus of the College of Business and Technology at East Tennessee State University, distinguished educator, and beloved mentor, passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 83.
With vision and determination, Dr. Spritzer transformed business education in Northeast Tennessee during his 40-year tenure at ETSU. When President Ron Beller recruited him as dean in August 1981, he was charged with securing the prestigious AACSB accreditation for the College of Business. Armed with resources for 14 new faculty positions, Dr. Spritzer united academics, students, and business leaders around this ambitious goal, successfully achieving AACSB accreditation in 1987-a milestone that significantly elevated the institution's national standing.
His leadership established numerous innovative programs that continue benefiting students and the regional business community today. In 1999, he was appointed to the prestigious Allen and Ruth Harris Chair of Excellence in Business, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2020.
Throughout his career, Dr. Spritzer advocated passionately for academic excellence and rigorous accreditation standards. His influential work with AACSB included creating "Deans on Deaning," an educational resource that continues guiding future business school leaders. Colleagues praise his ability to balance scholarly achievement with practical business preparation, creating generations of successful graduates.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, Dr. Spritzer built an exceptional academic foundation with a bachelor's degree in economics from the City College of New York, a master's degree in industrial and labor relations from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. from Cornell University.
Dr. Spritzer's contributions to business education earned widespread recognition, including the 2012 Outstanding Scholar Award and fellowship in the American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences. ETSU honored him with triple emeritus status (Professor, Dean, and Chair of Excellence), the 2021 ETSU National Alumni Association Honorary Alumnus of the Year award, and induction into the 2022 ETSU College of Business and Technology Hall of Fame for Faculty Lifetime Achievement.
His impact extended well beyond campus. As a founding board member and Vice-President of the Northeast Tennessee Economic Development Corporation (NETEDC), Dr. Spritzer helped secure 159 loans totaling $10.8 million, creating 743 regional jobs. He was instrumental in establishing the Small Business Development Center at ETSU, providing essential support to countless local entrepreneurs. His strategic guidance and meticulous attention to detail made him invaluable to numerous civic, professional, and charitable organizations throughout Northeast Tennessee.
Colleagues and former students remember Dr. Spritzer as an exceptional mentor who fostered innovation while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity. His thoughtful leadership style-characterized by careful listening, wise counsel, and unwavering dedication to institutional and student welfare-earned profound respect throughout the university and business community.
Dr. Spritzer was married for 42 years to the late Cecilia McNutt Spritzer. He is survived by his son, Shaun Pezant (Judy); his grandson, Evan Pezant (Marley); and his sister, Barbara Firestone.
The family will inter Dr. Spritzer alongside his wife, Cecilia, in a private ceremony. A celebration of Dr. Spritzer's life will be held at the Tindall Lobby at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Saturday, May 3rd, from 2:00–4:30 p.m. The family will receive guests beginning at 2:00, with remarks and remembrances starting at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Allan D. and Cecilia M. Spritzer Business Scholarship Endowment to continue Dr. Spritzer's legacy of supporting business education and student success. Checks can be made payable to ETSU Foundation, PO Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please reference Allen and Cecilia Spritzer Business Scholarship.
Dr. Allan Spritzer's transformative impact on East Tennessee State University, business education standards, regional economic development, and the countless lives he touched will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.
Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Spritzer family. (423)928-6111.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Johnson City Press from Apr. 23 to Apr. 26, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for Allan Spritzer
Sponsored by Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Johnson City.
1 Entry
David Atchley
April 26, 2025
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