Dr. Warren S. Blumenfeld
Warren S. Blumenfeld, 64, a former Professor of Management and
Psychology at Georgia State University, and renowned author and humorist, died July 1,
1998 in Tucson of cancer.
Dr. Blumenfeld earned his B.A. in Psychology at Indiana University and
his M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology from Purdue University. He conducted applied
research in the public and private sectors as both an internal and external consultant.
Prior to coming to Georgia State University in 1969, he conducted applied research in a
wide range of settings, having been Manager of Advertising Research (Coca-Cola USA),
Applied Research Consultant (self-employed), Research Psychologist (National Merit
Scholarship Corporation), Project Director (Personnel Measurement Research Department,
U.S. Naval Personnel Research Activity, San Diego), Purdue Opinion Panel Associate Editor
(Purdue University), Project Director and Research Coordinator (Test Department, Science
Research Associates) and Personnel Psychologist (Armed Forces Examining Station, U.S.
Army).
His research has been presented to professional associations nationally
and internationally as well as countless articles published in numerous journals and
magazines. In 1986, Dr. Blumenfeld’s full-time hobby as a connoisseur of oxymorons
brought him national recognition when he was featured in People Magazine, as
"The Dean of the Oxymoron." His two best selling books, Jumbo Shrimp &
Other Almost Perfect Oxymorons, And Pretty Ugly: More Oxymorons & Other
Illogical Expressions That Make Absolute Sense, followed in 1989. Dr. Blumenfeld
became a frequent radio/TV talk show guest as well as speaker, demonstrating that
"scholar humorist" is not necessarily an oxymoron. His third book, My
Grandmother Died Again & Other Almost Believable Excuses, followed in 1991.
Among his many honors, Dr. Blumenfeld was selected by the College of
Business Administration students, faculty, and staff as Alumni Distinguished Professor. He
was also twice selected by the doctoral fellows as the Hammond Award Recipient. Dr.
Blumenfeld is survived by his wife, Esther; his son, Joshua Blumenfeld and many loving
friends.
Submitted by Esther Blumenfeld