I was a college textbook salesman for Merrill Publishing Company.  Around 1986-7 I put Dan Jennings in touch with a business editor and the next thing you know he was signed on to be a co-author on Charles Pringle's Principles of Management textbook.  

In a crowded, competitive field the book was a moderate success.  I think we got the Baylor adoption, plus Sam Houston State where Pringle had been (moved to James Madison U.), Texas Southern U.  in Houston and Oklahoma State University.

I left publishing to be a full-time community college instructor.  I don't know who contacted who first but about two decades plus later I started playing phone tag with Dan Jennings, who had returned to teach at Texas A&M.  When we finally connected on the phone, Dan was at a hotel somewhere at a national convention site.  I immediately recognized his voice when he said, "Gary, how have you been doing?"  We spoke for about 15-20 minutes, recalling the past and giving updates on each other's present work situation.   I was so pleased that he remembered me.

I will always remember Dan as a really good guy.  I feel blessed to have known him.



I have had the good fortune to work with Dr. Jennings in 2003-04 as his Graduate Assistant.  It was an experience I have often looked back with great joy. He showed me how to lead with trust and emphaty, while ensuing high standards. I remember many things he told back in the day  from anecdotes to phrases, from stories to jokes, from research to handling students. When I headed to a job interview to Chicago, he inspired me saying that he knew I will do very well -- words that gave me tremendous confidence during that trip, and subsequently when I worked in the firm for many years.

Obituaries are sad, but they have a way of bringing in a flood of sweet memories. I am fortunate that my paths crossed with Dr. Jennings, and indeed feel blessed. But at the same time, I wish I told him these things rather than  writing here.  Thank you Dr. Jennings for being such a postive force and for all the wonderful memories. 

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Jennings. I was a grad student in TAMU ISE dept from 2002 until 2007. In one summer semester when I was without any funding, Dr. Jennings appointed me as a TA to help with the executive masters program in ETID. I remember what a wonderful, gentle, and kind person he was--always supportive and encouraging even if I made mistakes. I will always cherish the memories of working as his TA. 

I am not sure where to start…I was fortunate to work as Dr. Jennings’s graduate assistant for close to two years. Whenever I look back at my time at Texas A&M there are many fond memories of Dr. Jennings. I cannot remember a day when he was not excited about the project at hand and working with him was fun since he truly cared for the people around him. 

My fondest memory is when he took me to get a cone ice cream at a place near the university. We both had got our cone ice cream and were enjoying it in his car during an especially very hot day. He asked if he could share an interesting story (he always had interesting stories) and with a free ice-cream in hand I agreed to listen. He had recently gone to visit his daughter (Kay) in Dallas. When he reached his daughter’s home she was at work and his grand kids (Jackson and Cole) were at home. He asked them what their plan was for the rest of the day and came to know that they had a packed schedule with one class after another. He felt sorry for them and instead of taking them to the classes he took them out to get ice cream! Later that day when Kay came back from work, he told her that he could be in trouble since Jackson and Cole skipped their classes that day. Instead of getting upset with her Dad Kay told him that’s okay and they were just not getting ice cream but building relationships. 
Dr. Jennings then winked at me and said Subash, we are just not eating ice cream either but building relationship. I did not see this coming and was at a loss of words then and I am at a loss of words now. I will miss you Dr. Jennings. The heaven is richer by your presence.

Love,
Subash


Dan Jennings was a great man! Leaders aren’t measured by where they go, they are measured by the legacy they leave behind. He has done that. As a writer, I was honored to have Dan volunteer to write the foreword to my upcoming book. He is one of the kindest souls this planet has known. We lost a great one here! His knowledge and friendship will be treasured. R I P Dr. Jennings. Heaven received a new scholar. 

Dan is my brother n I always had big shoes to fill with teachers in our elementary and high schools!!!   So I lived those times as Dan’s little sister. 
     I knew he was quite accomplished but didn’t know the extent until I read his obit
     Rest in peace, dear brother, and one day we’ll again walk the farm

Kitty Jennings Schaefer

We are all blessed to have known Dr. Jennings.  He was the epitome of a Christian gentleman and a scholar.  I am forever grateful for his encouragement to pursue the MID degree and his support along the way.  We are all better to have known him.  God bless you, Dr. Jennings.  I look forward to seeing you again someday.    

Dr. Jennings was a special human being, to say the least. I was fortunate to be a student of his in the MID program, Class of 2007. During that time, Dr. Jennings was quietly and bravely going through chemotherapy. No one knew until he told us and it was as if he never missed a beat. He remained committed to his profession throughout his sickness. He plowed through it in glorious fashion and I have never lost inspiration from what I observed from him. Blessings to the Jennings family. He was most certainly a special man. 

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dr. Jennings for almost 20 years. I learned a lot from his - optimism, hard work, and "can-do" spirit. He would say that "if we waited for all green lights, we would never start", so we kept moving ahead. He also would say "we can respond" to almost any challenge. Dr. Jennings will truly be missed. My prayers are with his family. 

Dr. Jennings was a wonderful mentor and professor during my time as a Texas A&M Industrial Distribution student. He made it a point to get to know students on a personal level and be personally invested in their success. I would not be where I am today if it were not for Dr. Jennings. 

- Jonathan Bounds, ID Class of 2011

So sorry to hear.   As part of the inaugural MID Class of '03, and an already seasoned executive, he challenged us to get out of our comfort zones and think more about our businesses strategically.  Because of him, I will never forget about the key relationship between a business strategy and its structure.   They must be in sync or nothing else matters.  Thanks Dr. J.  You will be greatly missed by all of the MID students that sat in one of your classes.

Though saddening to hear this true legend passed, his outstanding contributions to the world deserve celebration!  Thank you Dr. Jennings for your educational service.  A model educator, you were an exception amongst your peers.  Here.

Honored to have been in Dr. Jennings' final class. Condolences to the family. You shared a very special man with the world and we are all richer for it!

Here...

George Contreras, MID '19

Oh no! My dear college professor. Often I would visit campus post graduating and visit the office to see his smiling face. COVID derailed the retirement ceremony last year so I was no able to see him.
HERE! 😥

Dr. Jennings, 

     You will be truly missed. I am so grateful to have had you as part of my MID experience. You were so helpful and knowledgeable.  You made the journey very memorable!!

Larry Celaya
MID '18

OBITUARY

Dr. Daniel Jennings Ph.D.

April 21, 1937 – October 5, 2021

Memorial Funeral Chapel—College Station

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