Name: Schmedemann, Ivan W.
Title: Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M
Texas A&M Class: 1967
Inducted: 2007
Deceased (Silver Taps)
Ivan Schmedemann, or “Doc” as he is known by his former students, began his education in Kansas, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree (1953) and a Master of Science Degree (1957) in agricultural economics at Kansas State University. He received his Ph.D. Degree in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University in 1967. As a student at Texas A&M, he was active in graduate student activities. His dissertation, “An Economic Analysis of the Demand for Campsites from the Houston Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area,” was written under the direction of his committee chair, Alvin Wooten, and committee members Don Moore, John McNeely, Robert Skrabanek, David Barker, and Alfred Chalk.
Dr. Schmedemann’s professional accomplishments include service on several Texas A&M University committees during his time as a faculty member including: Committee on Academic Freedom, Responsibility and Tenure (1988-1989), Tenure Advisory Committee (1989-1990), and Placement Center Advisory Council (1989-1992). He also served on the Property Valuations State Hearings Panel for the Texas State Property Tax Board during 1988-1990, chairing the committee in 1989-1990. He was a member of the Texas Department of Commerce’s Economic Advisory Committee during 1989-1990, was Secretary of the Society of Texas A&M Real Estate Professionals (1989-1994), and served on the Master’s Degree Program Committee for the Appraisal Institute in Chicago, Illinois (1990-1993). He was a board member of the Natural Resources Foundation of Texas in 1993 and president, College Station Lions Club in 1970-1971.
Commitment to educational excellence was exemplified in Dr. Schmedemann’s development, direction, and stewardship of the Master of Land Economics and Real Estate program in Agricultural Economics (1972-1994) and in the Mays School of Business (1994-1996) – over 400 students matriculated through the program during his tenure, many under his direct supervision. His professionalism and pragmatic real estate analysis, appraisal skills, and aptitude were instilled in these Aggies, preparing them to be the leaders of this industry today and reflecting his lifetime devotion to his students. Recognition of his commitment to students and the real estate profession include: Teacher of the Year in the Department of Agricultural Economics, 1979; Honor Professor Award from the COALS Student Council, 1984; TAMU Association of Former Students Award in Teaching, 1984; and the Education Innovation Award from the College of Agriculture, 1984. The ‘Drs. Ivan and Luanne Schmedemann Endowed Scholarship in Land Economics and Real Estate’ was established by the Society of Texas A&M Real Estate Professionals in 1989; he received a lifetime membership in the Society of Texas A&M Real Estate Professionals in 1995; and in 1996, he was recognized as Professor Emeritus in Agricultural Economics. In 2004, he received the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
“Doc” Schmedemann is survived by his wife, Luanne, in Kerrville, Texas.
