威廉·比尔·奥文斯, retired Old Dominion University professor of educational leadership, 死于二月. 15, surrounded by his wife and family. 他享年71岁.
Owings leaves behind more than just a legacy of scholarship – he is most remembered for his kindness and dedication to his students and colleagues.
"Bill bravely battled several serious health issues in the past year,史蒂夫·迈伦说, ODU professor in the Department of Educational Foundations & 领导. "Despite his own struggles, he always prioritized others, turning conversations away from his own well-being to inquire about theirs."
Owings retired from ODU in 2023 after five decades of educational leadership that extended far beyond the University.
Owings dedicated 26 years to the educational landscape of Virginia, 乔治亚州和巴尔的摩, having served as a superintendent, elementary and high school principal, 兼英语教师. Owings transitioned to higher education in 1999 as a professor at Longwood University and joined the Monarch family in 2002.
"His impact on the field of educational leadership is immeasurable,莎娜·普里贝什说, chair of ODU Educational Foundations and 领导, in 2023 when Owings was the subject of the 教务长的焦点. "Through his research and mentorship, he empowered countless individuals to enact positive change in schools and communities."
Colleagues recall his remarkable ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, referencing Owing’s notable influence on students he mentored.
“During Bill’s time at ODU he chaired 30 dissertations and served as a committee member on an additional 40, contributing to the mentoring and scaffolding of 70 Ph.D.迈兰说. “The students he advised have gone on to become principals, 校长, senior school division and state leaders. The exponential impact he has had on the field is striking.”
Throughout his tenure at ODU, Owings authored over 200 scholarly works, collaborating closely with his wife and co-author, 莱斯利·卡普兰. 他们的新书, "Critical Resource Theory," aimed to foster greater educational 股本, reflects Owings' dedication to addressing systemic issues in education.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Owings received several awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Education Finance Academy, ODU’s Rufus Tonelson Award, Distinguished Fellow of 研究 and Practice of the National Education Finance Academy and the Virginia Educational 研究 Association’s Charles Edgar Clear 研究 Award.
“Bill Owings embodied the true essence of educational leadership. His commitment to excellence, 股本, and compassion resonates deeply within our community, all while his great sense of humor and ever-present smile added warmth and joy to every interaction,塔米·戴斯说, dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. “As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the profound impact he has left on countless lives. His legacy will forever inspire us to strive for positive change in education and beyond.”
As the ODU community remembers the life and legacy of Bill Owings, his dedication to excellence and 股本 in education will continue to inspire future generations.
Owings' family has requested privacy during this time, with plans for a celebration of his life to be announced later.
"Anyone who knew Bill pays his generosity of spirit forward every day in the work they do as educators,迈兰说。. “And that is the real tribute to his legacy."