Dr Patrick Mayers, a Distinguished Educator, Passes away
By Dr A.S. Khan, et al.
Chicago, IL
Dr Patrick Mayers passed away peacefully in Cambridge, MA, on June 14, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on January 1, 1940, he completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Chicago (1978) before building a distinguished career in higher education leadership. Most notably, he served as a key executive at DeVry University, holding the positions of Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Vice President.
At its historical peak in the late 2000s and early 2010s, DeVry University operated more than 95 physical campus locations and learning centers across the United States and Canada. Its parent organization, DeVry Inc., operated a massive global portfolio. Alongside DeVry University and Keller Graduate School, it owned Chamberlain College of Nursing, Carrington College, Becker Professional Education, and international campuses in Brazil. It also managed an elite medical division featuring Ross University and the American University of the Caribbean.
Throughout his tenure, Dr Mayers was a driving force behind innovative academic initiatives and research aimed at student success, particularly in mathematics. His key professional contributions include:
Academic Leadership : Dr Mayers was highly recognized for implementing mastery learning strategies and integrated learning systems. Under his leadership, DeVry's "iOptimize" Integrated Learning System earned national accolades from the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA). His commitment to Dr Deming’s CQI principles successfully fostered an academic culture of continuous improvement based on assessment and outcomes-based learning. Furthermore, DeVry’s Engineering Technology curricula became a benchmark standard across the United States.
Math Education Initiatives: He championed projects designed to improve student outcomes in entry-level mathematics. By introducing customized online courses—such as MyMathLab—and forming strategic partnerships with local high schools, he helped bridge the gap between secondary and higher education.
The Practitioner-Based MBA: He pioneered the concept of the practitioner-based MBA. Alongside Ron Taylor, he was a driving force behind establishing the academic framework for the Keller Graduate School of Management.
Curriculum Design & Pedagogy: As a former student of prominent educator Prof Benjamin Bloom at the University of Chicago, Dr Mayers was a staunch proponent of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. He ensured that all technology and business curricula at DeVry clearly defined both learning objectives and required performance levels, creating a national model for consistent, high-quality education.
Mentorship & Influence: He was widely celebrated for his commitment to mentoring fellow educators and administrators, shaping future leaders within proprietary higher education. He also advised dozens of graduate students through the completion of their dissertations.
Research & Professional Growth: His scholarly work and conference presentations focused on academic affairs, organizational change, and supporting faculty professional development.
Dr Patrick Mayers was a remarkably kind and generous person, always eager to support his friends, students, and colleagues. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren.
(Dr Ahmed S. Khan — dr.a.s.khan@ieee.org — is a Fulbright Specialist Scholar)
