Timothy R. Thyreen
Timothy R. Thyreen, Lifelong educator, teacher and coach, mentor and transformational leader, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born November 30, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of the late Arthur A. Thyreen and Grace E. Rudwall Thyreen.
Mr. Thyreen was a 1962 graduate of Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio; a 1966 graduate of North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, where he majored in psychology; and a 1979 graduate of Duquesne University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in education.
He was a standout athlete, playing linebacker in both high school and college football. He excelled as an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and golf. He loved sharing these passions with his family and friends.
Throughout his years of teaching, he taught the full range of students, from kindergarteners all the way to doctoral students. His passion was to nurture the love of learning and for each student to reach their potential academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually, creating in them a desire to make a significant impact with their lives.
He met his wife, Carolyn Johnson, while a student in college at North Park, and they were married following his graduation on June 18, 1966. They raised 3 beautiful daughters; Jennifer, Heather, and Jeannine. He was a beloved husband and father.
He spent 18 years teaching psychology and coaching football in Northeast Ohio (Painesville Harvey and Cleveland Heights) and Western Pennsylvania (Valley High School and Baldwin High School) His success as a teacher and coach and as a recognized leader in education brought him to Waynesburg University in 1983. Within 6 years, he led the admissions office, the financial aid office, student life and health services, and the office of institutional advancement. In 1990 he was named President of the University.
During his tenure as Waynesburg University President from 1990 until 2013, he was nationally recognized for his leadership in bringing about an unprecedented renaissance to the University. His Presidency was a time of unparalleled growth.
Under his leadership, Waynesburg College became Waynesburg University, and doctoral programs were added, enrollment doubled and the University’s endowment grew by 900%. The University also became the first college in Pennsylvania to be awarded the prestigious Bonner Scholar Program which endowed scholarships for students interested in community service.
In collaboration with Waynesburg alumnus W. Robert Stover ’42, Chancellor Thyreen established “The Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership.
Most important to him was the restoration of the University’s Christian mission with the commitment to educate students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. His efforts towards returning the University to its founding Christian mission gained national recognition in 1995 when the Religious Heritage of America awarded him the “Outstanding Educator of the Year.”
In 1996, he was granted an honorary doctorate from Waynesburg University. His service was not limited to Waynesburg University. He also held leadership roles in several state and international organizations, including his Chairmanship of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylvania. Since 2003, he served on the Board of Directors of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Prompted by a deep sense of stewardship and respect for all of God’s creation, his work helped advance the mission of Conservancy to protect and restore our regions natural areas.
During his time as President and Chancellor, he served on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Board of Directors. In his role, he was recognized for his stewardship of a program that provides access and choice to qualified Pennsylvania Students. According to Tom Foley, President of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities, “Tim Thyreen spent the better part of a decade as the chief advocate for students with financial need as the Chair of the Needs Assessment Committee. He was the person everyone else looked to when it came to figuring out what is the best course of action to help these students get through college. He knew his numbers – so important when charged with making critical state budget decisions -but he knew his heart too, and it was that combination that assured everyone listening when he delivered his view.”
According to Waynesburg University’s President Douglas G. Lee, “Chancellor Thyreen’s singular personality, his commitment to God, his family, and Waynesburg University exemplify a life of purpose lived for the glory of God.
Chancellor Thyreen is survived by his wife, Carolyn Johnson of 56 years. Also surviving are three daughters, Jennifer Mina of Raliegh, N.C., Heather Diel of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Jeannine (Ted) Mizingou of Valley Cottage, N.Y.; eight wonderful grandchildren; Amy Mina, Alexie Mina, Tiffany Mina, Stefen Mina, Luke Diel, Autumn Mizingou, Joshua Mizingou, and Joy Mizingou. He has one brother, Daniel Thyreen (Ann Louise) of Gulfport, Fla.; a sister, Sue Frank of San Clemente, Calif. and many nieces and nephews.
In accordance with the wishes of Chancellor Thyreen and his family, the family farm in Greene County will be donated to Waynesburg University for the purpose of providing a retreat center. The family is setting up an endowment for the maintenance of that facility. Memorial contributions can be made to Waynesburg University in honor of Chancellor Thyreen for that purpose.
A memorial service at Waynesburg University’s Roberts Chapel is being planned for early September.
Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home, Inc. Daryl L. Throckmorton Owner/Director 197 North Maiden St. Waynesburg,, PA have been entrusted with his arrangements. Information is on line at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com.