During working hours on campus, it would've been unusual to find Dr. Jerry Cha-Jan Chang outside of his Lee Business School classrooms or his office on the third floor of Beam Hall. After all, if a student or fellow faculty member had questions, the information systems professor wanted to be there in person.
It might also explain a rather curious quirk of the information systems professor that often raised the curiosity of his students. At the age of 64, he did not, in fact, use or own a cell phone.
Though his students often recounted this memory with amusement or admiration, the reason quickly became clear: The people in Jerry Chang's life would always take priority.
Mimi Xu, ’17 BA Communication Studies and ’20 MS Management Information Systems, took his graduate-level networking class. “The first week he let us know that, if we wanted time with him outside of class and office hours, we had to email and officially schedule it because he didn’t own a cell phone. He didn’t see the need for one since he had one in his office and one at home.
“He also told us he doesn’t stay after class because he wants to make it home on time so he and his wife wouldn’t miss whatever show they were watching during that time.”
Tsion Melaku, ’21 MS Management Information Systems, added, “When I asked him, as a tech person, why he didn’t use a cell phone, he said that he wanted to show his appreciation for the people around him. He said that many people waste their time on their cell phones and neglect the people next to them.”
Chang, who was part of the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology, was looking forward to retirement within the next year or two. He was one of three 51ԹϺ faculty members killed in the Dec. 6 shooting on campus.
, a professor of operations management, met Chang in 2001, when the latter applied to 51ԹϺ. Chang got the job and soon purchased a home within two miles of Tan. They had children similar in age and gradually became friends as their families spent time together.
Eventually Tan’s favorite hobby became one of Chang’s.
“We took our children ice fishing together back in those early days at [Sunnyside Wildlife Management Area],” Tan said at a recent press conference. “During one of our trips, both of us driving two different cars, got a speeding ticket — each at the same place by the same trooper. We learned our lesson.”
Chang taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate-level courses, including database design and implementation, data communications, and database management.
His research focused on the use and impact of information technology, human-computer interaction, organizational learning, and software piracy. An author of numerous working papers and journal publications, he received multiple research awards and previously was ranked as a top 100 information systems researcher by industry journals. He also was active on a variety of departmental committees.
“Jerry was a rigorous researcher and a good teacher who deeply loved his students and 51ԹϺ,” Tan said. “In fact, he loved 51ԹϺ so much that he and his wife discussed some time ago the idea that he would like to donate his body to research. ...This is a true testament to how much he loved teaching, research, 51ԹϺ, and higher education.”
The Chang family was able to honor his wishes by donating his body to a university in San Diego, California.
“Even after he died, he continued to want to expand research and educate students,” said Tan. “That’s how serious he was about teaching.”
Chang earned five degrees in his lifetime: a bachelor’s in oceanography from National Taiwan Ocean University; a master’s in computer science from Central Michigan University; an MBA from Texas A&M University; and an M.S. and Ph.D. in management information systems from the University of Pittsburgh.
Prior to 51ԹϺ, Chang held teaching and research assistant positions at the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh; the School of Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University; and Fu-Jen University in Taiwan.
Colleagues at 51ԹϺ remember Chang not just for his kind and gentle nature, but for his impact on the lives and careers of new faculty and emerging researchers.
“He was a mentor of the highest caliber, offering guidance and support — not just in words but through actions,” said Ha-fen Hu, an associate professor in the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology. “He shared his experience and wisdom generously, patiently helping them navigate the complexity of academia. He believed in their potential and celebrated their achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship within the department."
His students remember the vigorous way in which he pushed them to find their own answers.
“When any of us asked him a question, he would respond with a question instead of simply giving us the answer,” said Ashley Weckesser, ’15 MBA and ‘15 MS Management Information Systems. She took his graduate-level Data Communications course. “We’d all sit there feeling like nobody wanted to raise their hand and try to answer his questions — but that’s how he taught. He would keep asking and help us get to the correct answer. He was patient, he was very genuine, and he was always happy.”
Weckesser is now an executive assistant to the vice president for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at 51ԹϺ and teaches part-time in the same department as Chang.
“I try to encourage my students the way he’d encourage us,” she said. “I want to help them become independent learners and thinkers.”
The two would occasionally meet in Chang’s office to talk about work or family, even after Weckesser graduated. He was particular about how his tea was brewed and always happy to share. One time, he cautioned her about the extremely high caffeine content in the tea he offered her.
"No one in grad school ever worries about having too much caffeine,” she said, “especially considering his class was from 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. — and he never let us leave early!"
It’s a memory she said makes her smile even today. “He was one of the most genuine people I’ve met. He was incredibly humble. He was incredibly intelligent.”
Outside of work, Chang liked to work on his computer. He also liked to hike and fish. Chang leaves behind his wife, Li, a son and a daughter.
“We will miss him,” said Tan, “But his legacy will live on, not just in the memory of those he touched but in the spirit of cooperation, dedication, and student-centeredness.”
Xu, the grad student who explained his longstanding aversion to cell phones, will remember Chang as “a man that loves and prioritizes his wife and, even though in technology, he still lives the simple life.”
Tributes to Jerry Cha-Jan Chang
Email us to add your own memory to this page.
Dr. Chang and I first met in my undergraduate database class which ultimately set me on the path of the beginning of my career. Dr. Chang and I eventually grew closer when he wrote letters of recommendation for me to enter graduate school in the program at 51ԹϺ and taught my research course where I wrote an exploratory thesis on "Intrusive DRM: Defining and assessing its effect on consumer decision making." He then also oversaw an independent study class during grad school about "Database Platform Decision Making from an Application Perspective." All of this doesn't mention the multiple lunches that I also had with Dr. Chang talking about a variety of topics both educational and about life.
The reason I find this especially hard is because, had Dr. Chang not ignited a passion for data and databases in me and wrote letters of recommendation for graduate school, I truly do not know if I'd be where I am today. And [I wouldn’t have] met my wife. My life could have very well gone a different direction.
51ԹϺ lost a fantastic educator and mind. Future generations of students and upcoming professionals lost a caring, supportive, and kind soul. I hope many of you will all read this, look up more about him, and will reflect on the impact educators have on all of us.
My thoughts, prayers, and heart goes out to his family and everyone else that is feeling his loss.
— Ryan Hanley
— Redwan Nahian (MIS 760 crew after their final presentations)
Dr. Chang's sense of humor and deep care for his students allowed him to set very high standards, pushing students academically. I am forever grateful for the many lessons learned in his courses. Dr. Chang was a great man with a legacy of contributing to the education and achievements of so many people. He will be missed.
— Paul M. Dimond (‘15 MS Management Information Systems)
Dr. Chang loved his family, all the times I went to his office hours, Dr. Chang would always manage to mention his family. I remember I went to see Dr. Chang right after I had submitted my final project; I had gone to get some feedback on the project and to thank him for all of his help. He laughed at how I had fully tried to sneak in a few things into the paper and I laughed at the fact he did read all of it. I asked him about grad school and his experiences, and he laughed and said a Ph.D. is a career choice. I asked if he thought it was a good career choice and he told me how much he loved being a professor for the simple reason that he got to see his family more. He bragged about how he could see his son's piano recital because of his career choice. I don’t think I ever got to go to his office hours without hearing him talk about his family, and I hope they know how much he loved them and how proud he was.
— Nico Robert Villafuerte
Dr. Chang was my first professor in the MIS program, teaching the MIS-760 Data Communications and Systems class in 2018. He was very wise, humble and intelligent. His knowledge of design, implementation, and security of networking was truly impressive.
He went the extra mile to support his students in achieving academic success and excellence.
I remember Dr. Chang for his commitment and values that he shared with his family and friends. When I asked him, as a tech person, why he didn’t use a cell phone, he said that he wanted to show his appreciation for the people around him. He said that many people waste their time on their cell phones and neglect the people next to them.
A heartless person took the life of my professor. Dr. Chang’s wisdom and legacy will stay with us forever. Peaceful rest Dr. Chang!
— Tsion Melaku
I was assigned as Dr. Chang’s GTA in 2019, and he became more than a mentor or advisor, he was a dear friend. I would joke that he was my 51ԹϺ dad. After graduating in May 2020, we kept in touch, and he was pivotal in my choice to pursue a Ph.D. at 51ԹϺ. We would meet several times a month, sometimes for two hours or more to talk about everything from life to research. During our last meeting, the week before Thanksgiving, we were talking about my dissertation topic and research. He pulled a book off his shelf and said, "This is the best book for that. You can have it." I said, "Keep it?" He said, "Yeah, I’m retiring. I don't need it." He laughed with his silly, big laugh. We both laughed. I told him I wasn’t ready for him to retire. That I would miss our meetings too much and needed his advice. He said we could always meet remotely like during the pandemic. Though, eventually, by the end of our meeting, he said he would stay for at least one more year, but no more than two years. We laughed. I knew then he appreciated hearing how important he was to students and research. He was so supportive. My heart is broken.
— Annette Steinmann
His class was by far the most difficult class I’ve had to take to date. I was one of his eight students for MIS 760 this semester and though the course content was a lot, this course actually challenged me on a personal level, which was a hard pill to swallow. I heard a faculty member speak about Dr. Chang recently. He mentioned something that Dr. Chang stood for that really stuck out to me, and that was collaboration. He knew the importance of having conversations and working together and encouraged us constantly to ask questions and throw ideas out during class. For some of us, this was hard to grasp, myself especially. I’m a shy person, so speaking on topics I know nothing about and having to discuss them was a rather humbling experience. But Dr. Chang was always present and always listening to what we had to express, and I think that’s very rare in a professor and a person. Though I didn’t know him well, I believe he saw us for who we were, and he accepted and embraced all we had to offer. He was not one to sugar coat his thoughts and feelings, and he spoke with a confidence that I only hope to achieve one day.
Dr. Chang was a really really good man. His wife and kids came up a lot during our class conversations, and I knew he cared for them deeply. I hope and pray that his loved ones find hope and healing again after this tragic incident. Before the events, I knew I would never forget this class, and now I know I never will. Dr. Chang has taught me a lot about hard work and collaboration and I will take that with me for the rest of my life.
— Angelina Gonzales
I'm incredibly saddened to hear about Dr. Jerry Chang's passing. The first time I met Dr. Jerry Chang was during the Fall - 2015 season when I was earning my bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Management. The class I took with Dr. Jerry Chang was IS 378. Please refer to the screenshot (My appreciation email to him) and the picture below.
After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in 2015 and coming back to earn my master's degree in MIS in 2019. I took Dr. Jerry Chang again for my last semester in Fall 2020. I'm so grateful I had an opportunity to take him again. Please see the attached photo.
I just wanted to take this moment to thank Dr. Jerry Chang for all the teaching and life lessons. Dr. Jerry Chang was one of my favorite professors during my academic career at 51ԹϺ because he taught me about hard work, facing challenges, and staying strong during hard times. Dr. Jerry Chang's accessibility and willingness to assist are greatly appreciated and he will be dearly missed forever. Rest in Peace, Dr. Jerry Chang!
— Azian Allam
Although I didn't have the opportunity to take a course with Jerry, I had the privilege of meeting him to seek guidance regarding my research pursuits. In our interactions, Jerry was supportive, caring, and resourceful. He generously offered me books from his collection that he felt would assist me in my research analysis. Beyond his academic prowess, Jerry often shared heartwarming anecdotes about his family, notably mentioning his annual participation in a robotics competition with his kid. Jerry's legacy should not only be recognized for his dedication to academia at 51ԹϺ but also for his ability to inspire and positively influence others in their pursuit of personal and professional goals. His kindness, generosity, and encouragement will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him.
— Jamie Nam
To Dr. Chang's Family:
I'd love to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Chang. His brilliance in the classroom, legacy, and dedication to student learning left an indelible mark on us all. I will never forget his smiles, which were full of care, understanding, and kindness toward students. A true mentor and guide, he will always be remembered with the utmost respect and gratitude.
— Kimhak Kol
As a former student of the MIS program in both graduate and undergraduate studies, and having had the privilege of serving as a graduate assistant at Lee Business School, I had the distinct honor of being one of Dr. Chang's students. Throughout my academic journey, I found Dr. Chang to be a knowledgeable, respectable, admirable, and friendly individual. His guidance and unwavering support left a lasting impact on me, and I consider myself fortunate to have had him as both a professor and mentor.
Dr. Chang possessed a unique ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment. He not only provided valuable academic insights but also treated his students with genuine care and consideration. I fondly recall moments of levity in his courses, where he would humorously remark about the extensive pages of homework assignments awaiting us. These memories, along with our casual chats during my graduate studies, are cherished and will be remembered with warmth.
It deeply saddens me to learn of his passing, and I extend my sincerest condolences to Dr. Chang's family during this difficult time. The void left by his absence is undoubtedly immense, and the impact of his teachings will be felt by many. May Dr. Chang rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
— Yong Leafen
Dr Chang was one of my favorite professors of all time. As a senior taking the Senior Project course, it was a scary class. You were there with all your other IS peers, all waiting for the same thing: to graduate with that degree. He would come in on the first day and make the same speech he had made many times, “You are seniors and you are here to graduate. The only thing that stands between you and graduation is me.”
From that moment on, he explained the project and what was to be expected. You can't help but wonder, “Who is this person?” Throughout the semester, you started to see the human side of him. The side is that he cares for his students. We all did so badly on the midterm, and he kept telling us, “Don't worry, don't worry. Focus on the project.”
I remember him telling me that our models were wrong, and we needed to redo them. And instead of telling us what to do, he guided us. But that is how Dr. Chang was. He never gives you the answer. He always guides you so that you find the answer. He wanted his class to be a real-world experience. Like when you go into data, programming, and information, this is what you will do. He is my mentor, and I will never have another professor like him. I just hope that I never fail him just like he never failed me.
— Linh Dan Tran
I received an email from Ms. Amber Upton today about the loss of Dr Jerry Chang.
I recently heard about the incident at 51ԹϺ but just today found out that one of the victims of the shooting was Professor Jerry Chang.
I remember Dr Chang as a very polite, helpful, gentle professor who was always willing to help his students and guide them well.
I am very sorry to hear about his loss. My condolences to his family.
— Maria Hussain ('16 MIS master’s program)
I was in his network class and on the first week he let us know that if we want time with him outside of class and office hours that we had to email and officially schedule it because he didn’t own a cell phone (didn’t see the need for one since he has one in his office, one at home. No need for one on the road as you shouldn’t be driving and talking and if something were to happen, the cops would contact whoever for you anyways so no need to spend money on it.) He also told us he doesn’t stay after class because he wants to make it home on time so he and his wife wouldn’t miss whatever show they were watching during that time. A man that loves and prioritizes his wife and even though in technology - he still lives the simple life.
— Mimi Xu
I am deeply saddened by the news that occurred and wish to send my condolences to the family of Dr. Jerry Chang. As a former student of his, I have been motivated and will cherish the memories of his teaching with me for the future. He always wanted what was best for his students and would push them to try to be more than what they may have seen in themselves.
— Jennifer Marzan
I took several classes of Dr. Chang’s that changed my life. They were my favorite classes and unlocked opportunities I would never have gone after without the enthusiasm I drew from his classes. He always had a stable demeanor and pushed us to give our very best. I’m in disbelief that he is gone. Sending my best to his loved ones.
— Robin Fish
I remember Dr. Chang especially as he helped me complete my degree program while I was facing difficult circumstances. At the time, I was on active duty in the military, and had to pause my program while I deployed. I was not sure when I would be able to return, or the challenges I would face getting back into the program.
When I was able to return to the program to complete my degree, Dr, Chang reached out to several professors in the department to explain my situation and help me reintegrate into the program and finish. I was very grateful for his extra effort, and he continued to follow up with me to ensure I was on the right path to finish. Obtaining my MS was critical to my professional life after the military and set me up for success.
I will always remember him as a genuinely kind and caring gentleman, who truly wanted to see his students succeed.
My prayers are with his family. All I can say to them is that he truly made a difference in the world, and he will be remembered as the rare individual who gave selflessly to a larger community and made it a better place.
— Michael Giannini
The only thing I can see is how he used to sit in class, smiling, watching our discussions. His stories of his children playing the piano, him retiring in two years, and teasing him about not carrying a mobile phone, and he never got annoyed — just smiling. I am glad I got to tell him that his class was the best class I ever took, and he, being himself, nonchalantly replied, “Okay.”
The last time we met in class was during our final discussion, and I asked him if we were the best class he ever had as students. He did say, “You could be,” which wasn’t a “no.” So we took it as a “yes,” hahaha.
I am proud and happy I got to be his student, and I will forever cherish those times. He was a simple and loving soul. Rest well, Dr. Chang. I hope you are in a better place.
— Prashanna Prasai (MIS 760)
Dr. Jerry Chang was one of the kindest professors in 51ԹϺ. He loved what he did and cared for his students. His door was always open for everyone. I have fond memories of the discussions we would have in his class. He was a great professor and more importantly, a great human being. Rest in peace, Dr. Chang.
— Raheem Soomro
Dr. Chang taught the Senior Culminating Project class, which is one of the final classes a student takes before graduating with a management information systems degree. As such, the class was arduous and time consuming, it forced us students to come together and help one another figure out the data analytics tool IBM SPSS Modeler. We couldn’t take this class lightly, and class attendance was mandatory, which is why it resulted in becoming one of my favorite classes out of my time at 51ԹϺ. Sure, the class had me working more than 20 hours a week cleaning data to decipher any trends, but the course was challenging, and I have always liked a challenge.
So, every week we’d go to class to listen to our professor’s lectures on data and his witty comments to our questions. I always found the interactions amusing because even though he looked intimidating, he had a sense of humor. After the lectures we got to work on our projects where I got to meet a select few of individuals that I became close to and still keep in touch with to this day. Because of this class, I now have lifelong friends, which I am very grateful for.
As the days progressed and our class became agitated with the projects, our professor was very encouraging and showered us with proverbs and sayings to boost our moods. He always offered us support, giving us small nudges to keep us on the right track, and he never made us feel little for not knowing simple solutions to common problems. His positivity that we’d succeed in his class and at our next stage in life was inspiring considering we all looked pretty monotone during his lectures. Dr. Chang’s class may have been the hardest in the MIS program, but he made it so for our own benefit: to get us ready for the real world. It was quite heart wrenching to read that he was one of the victims, but I know for a fact that his class left an impact on all his students because we all left his class a lot more skilled and prepared for our next era.
I hope that wherever he is in the afterlife, he is happy and in harmony.
— Dianna Martinez
As a graduating undergrad, I would like to say that Dr. Jerry Chang is one of the most memorable professors I’ve had in my college career. He had so much knowledge to give and was a very respected professor. I learned a lot from him, but what I remember most about him is that even though he was all business, he always found a way to make us laugh with his witty comments. You could always expect to have at least one unexpected laugh in his class. I am eternally grateful that I had the pleasure to be impacted by him in my college career.
— Yesenia Otero
I am writing to share my heartfelt memories of Dr. Jerry Chang, a remarkable professor and mentor who left an indelible mark on my life. My journey with Dr. Chang began in 2011 during a course on networking. The first semester was a challenging period, especially the first quiz, notorious for its difficulty. Most of us failed in that quiz, and I, being new to the academic environment in the U.S. and struggling with language barriers, felt particularly overwhelmed.
Dr. Chang stood out not only as an educator but also as a compassionate individual who recognized my struggles. He always explained complex concepts to me in Chinese after the classes. That was a hope for me, bridging the gap created by my limited English proficiency.
Dr. Chang also had a unique sense of humor that brought lightness to our rigorous academic environment. I fondly recall an instance in a research method class where he engaged in a playful debate about whether strawberry tea could technically be considered a tea. He said tea must be from leaves instead of fruits.
One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Chang's character was his cautious approach to personal information security. His avoidance of mobile phones was a topic of speculation among us students. We often joked that he might be a secret agent, which reflects the mysterious aura he carried.
Dr. Chang's impact on my life is profound and lasting. His teachings went beyond the realms of networking and research methodologies, extending into lessons of resilience, empathy, and the importance of approaching life with a sense of humor and caution. As I remember Dr. Chang, I am reminded of the indelible impact a dedicated educator can have on their students. He was not just a teacher but a mentor, a guiding light, and a cherished part of our university community. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence many.
— Fengxing Lin
Dr. Jerry Chang was my professor for the course MIS 773: Research Seminar in Information Systems and MIS 760: Data Communications and Networking during the academic year 2010-2012. He was a great teacher and mentor. He was always very supportive, encouraging, and a guide to all of us. He is a gem of a person who had been very kind and went out of his way to help when in need all the way through my tenure working as a graduate teaching assistant in the MIS department. We miss you Dr. Chang, the news created an ocean of sorrow. You always will stay alive in the knowledge we carry with us in our professions today. Rest in peace.
— Venkata Lakshmi Chivukula (MIS Program May 2012)
My mid-20s were a particularly turbulent time in my life. On top of my personal struggles, I was working full-time and going to grad school at 51ԹϺ at night. Even though he didn't know it, Dr. Chang's caring and patience helped me make it through the program.
Not only did he teach one of my favorite classes (research methods) in a way that kept me engaged after a long day of work; he also helped me go through the process of waiving a required course due to my professional experience.
It's not an exaggeration to say that Dr. Chang was one of the main reasons I finished grad school, and it's sad that he won't be able to bring his light to future generations of students.
— JC Rosero
Dr. Jerry Chang was my Data Communication and Networking professor in MIS 760. I remember his calm demeanor and his radiant smile. He told us that he did not have a cell phone because he did not need one. We were all very surprised but it made me be mindful of how I use mine. One of his exams was notoriously difficult and he warned us that the scores would be low, all with a smile… He reassured us that it’s ok because it’s a small percentage of our final grade and we need to know what we don’t know.
Now I teach computer networking to students online. I will always remember his kindness and patience. His light will continue to shine bright in me and in so many people he influenced positively. Thank you for all you have done for us Dr. Chang.
— Helen Hazer Thomas
