Provost Peggy Agouris sent the following message to the campus community on April 16, 2025. – Ed.

Dear colleagues,

I write to share that Martin Garrett, Professor of Economics, Emeritus, passed away on March 31 after a short illness. He was born in Donelson, Tennessee. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University in 1955, he served in the US Army in South Korea until 1958, where he was made a battery commander as a second lieutenant and received several commendations.

Prof. Garrett received a PhD in economics from Vanderbilt University and joined the faculty at William & Mary in 1963. He enjoyed all aspects of academic life. He loved teaching, was active in research, and participated in faculty governance. During his 38 years at William & Mary, Prof. Garrett served the faculty in many capacities, serving on fourteen standing or ad hoc committees, seven of which he chaired. In the 1960s, while Chairman of the Faculty Admissions Committee, he was instrumental in the college’s integration of the student body. He was chairman of the College Self Study Report of 1963-64, Chairman of the Faculty Affairs Committee, and faculty liaison to the Board of Visitors. He was chairman of the economics department 1989-94.

Prof. Garrett loved students and enjoyed teaching, but he believed that to be fresh and exciting with students one should be engaged with research. He introduced a new course in urban analysis at a time when urban problems first became an economic issue and later developed a course in southern economic development beginning with the role of slavery in southern growth. Later he and his wife Sue endowed a program in which economics majors could have a summer to engage in research.

While his publications included urban analysis and southern economic development, Prof. Garrett was most proud of an original contribution to southern economic history. His interest in urban analysis and urban growth led to many contributions in guiding local growth while serving on the James City County Planning commission for 24 years.

From an early age, he loved sports, especially any sport that involved the use of a ball. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school; however, baseball was his best sport. He was voted outstanding player for a junior league team and played four years for MTSU and was captain his senior year. Later in life he enjoyed tennis and golf, and after encountering foot problems he cycled for several years.

Among his lifetime accomplishments he would be the first to admit that his marriage to Sue Matthews in 1958 was the best thing that ever happened to him. They were married for 67 years until her recent death. He is survived by his son Scott Garrett, Scott’s wife Cele and their two children Holly and Cole Garrett; his daughter Jane Garrett Briggs, her husband Charlie and their two daughters Mary and Clio Briggs; his sister Jane Speakman and his brother Tommy Garrett.

A private family service for Prof. Garrett and Sue Garrett will be held at a later date.

Best,
Peggy