Thomas Michael Elliott

A native of Evansville, Indiana, left a life and career well lived on May 24 at his home in Washington, DC. Born August 4, 1942 he remained in Evansville through his graduation from Bosse High School and then attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN from 1962 to 1970, earning a AB in zoology, an MS in higher education and a EdD in higher education. After receiving his doctorate he joined the administration of Purdue University and subsequently became special assistant to the president and later assistant provost. While at Purdue Dr. Elliott was on loan for a year to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education where he directed the first master plan for statewide higher education for the state. Dr. Elliott left Purdue to become the executive director of the National Commission on United Methodist Higher Education, a two and a half year project sponsored by the United Methodist Church and at the conclusion of this successful assignment became the deputy commissioner for the Missouri Department of Higher Education, and later the executive director of the Arkansas State Board of Higher Education, serving in the cabinets of governors Bill Clinton and Frank White. Most recently Dr. Elliott was the executive director and CEO of the IEEE Computer Society from 1982 until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure in this position he grew the membership of computer science and engineering professionals by more than 50 percent, including a high level of international participation, significantly increased Society revenues, expanded the periodical publications program and international expansion in Europe, Russia and Asia. Dr. Elliott also led the development of the premier publishing capability and service in the scientific and technical society publishing field. Dr. Elliott had a life-long passion for sailing shared by his wife and family, cooking and fine wines, enjoyed his prominence as a jazz aficionado, was unwaveringly loyal to his friends, personal and professional and a very proud grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Loretta (Glaze) Elliott; his son Christopher Michael Elliott, wife Nikol and grandson Malcom of Sterling, VA; his brother Dennis D. Elliott and wife Catherine of Bloomington, IN; nieces Jodi Elliott, DO of Anchorage, AK and Dawn Elliott of Louisville, KY; and stepfather James Schultheis of Evansville, IN.

A Celebration of Michael''s life will be held at a later date.The family requests that those who may wish can make a memorial donation to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org). A Celebration of Michael''s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.