In Memoriam
Douglas “Doug” Bachtel
1945–2013
GeorgiaDATA would like to recognize the late Douglas Bachtel, a noted demographer and emeritus professor in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. In his 33 years at the University of Georgia, Dr. Bachtel was highly regarded for his ability to turn dry, complicated statistical data into easy-to-understand information that allowed elected officials, business groups, colleagues, and citizens to make better-informed decisions about the future of their communities. His data analysis efforts were often used in the preparatory processes for community economic development initiatives, and the Georgia County Guide was a tool that he promoted and supported during his distinguished career.
Dr. Bachtel retired on June 30, 2013, and was named an emeritus professor by the President of the University of Georgia in recognition of his honorable and distinguished years of service. On August 8, 2013, Dr. Bachtel died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
“Doug Bachtel started the Georgia County Guide and for so many years was the literal fountain of statistical knowledge about the state of Georgia and all of its cities and counties. I hope and believe he would be proud of this new vehicle to provide important data for leaders across this state to utilize when making critical decisions.” – Laura Meadows, director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government