John Connaughton, the longtime UNC Charlotte economics professor whose quarterly forecasts became a trusted guide for North Carolina businesses and policymakers, has died at the age of 78.
Connaughton passed away on June 24, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in higher education and economic research. UNC Charlotte announced his death with heartfelt tributes, describing him as a respected teacher, mentor and one of the university’s most influential faculty members.
Known For:
- Longest-serving faculty member at UNC Charlotte.
- Director of the North Carolina Economic Forecast for more than four decades.
- Trusted economic analyst for businesses, policymakers and media outlets.
- Teaching more than 6,000 students during his academic career.
Legacy:
John Connaughton is remembered as one of North Carolina’s most respected economists. His clear, practical economic forecasts helped guide business and government leaders for more than 40 years, while his commitment to teaching and research influenced thousands of students and strengthened UNC Charlotte’s reputation as a leader in economic scholarship.