Radford, Virginia
Dr. H. Douglas Covington, Ph.D., a beloved Radford icon, departed this life on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, to be reunited with his dear wife, Bea Covington, who preceded him in death on March 28, 2005.
Dr. Covington, President Emeritus of Radford University, (1995- 2005) is survived by two sons, Anthony Covington and Jeffrey Covington; and two grandchildren, Christopher Slade Covington and Olivia Marie Covington; his brother-in-law Arthur Mitchell; and his sister-in-law Ozzie Topps. His extensive family includes nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of close friends.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; his Master of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Covington devoted 50 years of his career as an educational leader. His optimistic spirit and leadership abilities inspired others to reach higher to achieve a "shared commitment to excellence." Prior to his appointment as the first African-American President of Radford University, he served as Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University in N.C.; President of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala.; President of Cheyney University, Cheyney, Pa.; and Vice President of Development at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.
After retirement from RU, his educational leadership abilities were again in demand, and he was appointed Interim President of Emory & Henry College in Abingdon, (2005-2006).
Dr. Covington held leadership roles on governing boards of numerous civic and professional organizations at the state and national level. Some of these include: The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (Executive Committee of the Association and State Representative from North Carolina); the National Association for Equal Opportunity; the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education(Executive Committee); the North Carolina Board of Theater Arts; the North Carolina Art Museum; the Art Museum of Western Virginia; the Community Action Program's Total Action Against Poverty (TAP); and Virginia's Commission on Reform of Educational Leadership. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Education; the Faulkner University Board of Trustees; Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership's Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors for the Miss Virginia Pageant; the Holding Company of Directors for the First National Bank Corporation; the National Student Conservation Association; and as Chairman of the Steering Committee on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the United States Department of the Interior.
In addition, he has served as consultant to the Kellogg Foundation, the Hanes Corporation, and the National Council for Higher Education Management Systems, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Virginia's Department of Natural Resources. Additionally he is a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); an honorary member of The Progressive Men's Club; and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
He and his life-mate, Bea, devoted their lives to service to others, especially in higher education; and in doing so, made his priority an investment in the students' lifetimes. Phrases such as service, humility, honor, keen interest in people, learning to harmonize in this vast chorus of humanity, extol the values that the Covingtons conveyed.
While being interviewed for the presidency at RU, he was asked how he would like to be remembered. He replied: "I would like to be remembered as one who cared deeply about his students, and did his best every day to see that they received a first-class education." He frequently attended RU sporting events, especially Highlander Basket Ball; and promoted the Fine Arts at RU. The Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts stands as a reminder of the interest and energy he and Bea devoted to broadening opportunities for the fine arts at RU.
If you engaged Doug Covington in a conversation about athletics, you might have heard him recall his college days as a relay runner - where each successive member of the team would pass the baton to the next runner, when his portion of the race was complete. Dr. Covington's portion of the race is complete; and he is now passing the baton to the next generation, believing "the best is yet to come"!
Visitation will be held at the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Performing Arts at Radford University on Friday, June 29, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford, on Saturday, June30, 2012, at noon.
A private interment will take place later in the day.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The H. Douglas & Beatrice M. Covington Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts. c/o Radford University Foundation Post Office Box 6893, Radford, VA 24142.
Arrangements entrusted to Penn's Funeral Home, Pulaski.
Dr. H. Douglas Covington, Ph.D., a beloved Radford icon, departed this life on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, to be reunited with his dear wife, Bea Covington, who preceded him in death on March 28, 2005.
Dr. Covington, President Emeritus of Radford University, (1995- 2005) is survived by two sons, Anthony Covington and Jeffrey Covington; and two grandchildren, Christopher Slade Covington and Olivia Marie Covington; his brother-in-law Arthur Mitchell; and his sister-in-law Ozzie Topps. His extensive family includes nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of close friends.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; his Master of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Covington devoted 50 years of his career as an educational leader. His optimistic spirit and leadership abilities inspired others to reach higher to achieve a "shared commitment to excellence." Prior to his appointment as the first African-American President of Radford University, he served as Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University in N.C.; President of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala.; President of Cheyney University, Cheyney, Pa.; and Vice President of Development at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.
After retirement from RU, his educational leadership abilities were again in demand, and he was appointed Interim President of Emory & Henry College in Abingdon, (2005-2006).
Dr. Covington held leadership roles on governing boards of numerous civic and professional organizations at the state and national level. Some of these include: The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (Executive Committee of the Association and State Representative from North Carolina); the National Association for Equal Opportunity; the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education(Executive Committee); the North Carolina Board of Theater Arts; the North Carolina Art Museum; the Art Museum of Western Virginia; the Community Action Program's Total Action Against Poverty (TAP); and Virginia's Commission on Reform of Educational Leadership. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Education; the Faulkner University Board of Trustees; Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership's Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors for the Miss Virginia Pageant; the Holding Company of Directors for the First National Bank Corporation; the National Student Conservation Association; and as Chairman of the Steering Committee on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the United States Department of the Interior.
In addition, he has served as consultant to the Kellogg Foundation, the Hanes Corporation, and the National Council for Higher Education Management Systems, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Virginia's Department of Natural Resources. Additionally he is a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); an honorary member of The Progressive Men's Club; and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
He and his life-mate, Bea, devoted their lives to service to others, especially in higher education; and in doing so, made his priority an investment in the students' lifetimes. Phrases such as service, humility, honor, keen interest in people, learning to harmonize in this vast chorus of humanity, extol the values that the Covingtons conveyed.
While being interviewed for the presidency at RU, he was asked how he would like to be remembered. He replied: "I would like to be remembered as one who cared deeply about his students, and did his best every day to see that they received a first-class education." He frequently attended RU sporting events, especially Highlander Basket Ball; and promoted the Fine Arts at RU. The Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts stands as a reminder of the interest and energy he and Bea devoted to broadening opportunities for the fine arts at RU.
If you engaged Doug Covington in a conversation about athletics, you might have heard him recall his college days as a relay runner - where each successive member of the team would pass the baton to the next runner, when his portion of the race was complete. Dr. Covington's portion of the race is complete; and he is now passing the baton to the next generation, believing "the best is yet to come"!
Visitation will be held at the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Performing Arts at Radford University on Friday, June 29, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford, on Saturday, June30, 2012, at noon.
A private interment will take place later in the day.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The H. Douglas & Beatrice M. Covington Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts. c/o Radford University Foundation Post Office Box 6893, Radford, VA 24142.
Arrangements entrusted to Penn's Funeral Home, Pulaski.
Radford, Virginia
Dr. H. Douglas Covington, Ph.D., a beloved Radford icon, departed this life on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, to be reunited with his dear wife, Bea Covington, who preceded him in death on March 28, 2005.
Dr. Covington, President Emeritus of Radford University, (1995- 2005) is survived by two sons, Anthony Covington and Jeffrey Covington; and two grandchildren, Christopher Slade Covington and Olivia Marie Covington; his brother-in-law Arthur Mitchell; and his sister-in-law Ozzie Topps. His extensive family includes nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of close friends.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; his Master of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Covington devoted 50 years of his career as an educational leader. His optimistic spirit and leadership abilities inspired others to reach higher to achieve a "shared commitment to excellence." Prior to his appointment as the first African-American President of Radford University, he served as Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University in N.C.; President of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala.; President of Cheyney University, Cheyney, Pa.; and Vice President of Development at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.
After retirement from RU, his educational leadership abilities were again in demand, and he was appointed Interim President of Emory & Henry College in Abingdon, (2005-2006).
Dr. Covington held leadership roles on governing boards of numerous civic and professional organizations at the state and national level. Some of these include: The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (Executive Committee of the Association and State Representative from North Carolina); the National Association for Equal Opportunity; the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education(Executive Committee); the North Carolina Board of Theater Arts; the North Carolina Art Museum; the Art Museum of Western Virginia; the Community Action Program's Total Action Against Poverty (TAP); and Virginia's Commission on Reform of Educational Leadership. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Education; the Faulkner University Board of Trustees; Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership's Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors for the Miss Virginia Pageant; the Holding Company of Directors for the First National Bank Corporation; the National Student Conservation Association; and as Chairman of the Steering Committee on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the United States Department of the Interior.
In addition, he has served as consultant to the Kellogg Foundation, the Hanes Corporation, and the National Council for Higher Education Management Systems, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Virginia's Department of Natural Resources. Additionally he is a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); an honorary member of The Progressive Men's Club; and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
He and his life-mate, Bea, devoted their lives to service to others, especially in higher education; and in doing so, made his priority an investment in the students' lifetimes. Phrases such as service, humility, honor, keen interest in people, learning to harmonize in this vast chorus of humanity, extol the values that the Covingtons conveyed.
While being interviewed for the presidency at RU, he was asked how he would like to be remembered. He replied: "I would like to be remembered as one who cared deeply about his students, and did his best every day to see that they received a first-class education." He frequently attended RU sporting events, especially Highlander Basket Ball; and promoted the Fine Arts at RU. The Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts stands as a reminder of the interest and energy he and Bea devoted to broadening opportunities for the fine arts at RU.
If you engaged Doug Covington in a conversation about athletics, you might have heard him recall his college days as a relay runner - where each successive member of the team would pass the baton to the next runner, when his portion of the race was complete. Dr. Covington's portion of the race is complete; and he is now passing the baton to the next generation, believing "the best is yet to come"!
Visitation will be held at the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Performing Arts at Radford University on Friday, June 29, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford, on Saturday, June30, 2012, at noon.
A private interment will take place later in the day.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The H. Douglas & Beatrice M. Covington Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts. c/o Radford University Foundation Post Office Box 6893, Radford, VA 24142.
Arrangements entrusted to Penn's Funeral Home, Pulaski.
Dr. H. Douglas Covington, Ph.D., a beloved Radford icon, departed this life on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, to be reunited with his dear wife, Bea Covington, who preceded him in death on March 28, 2005.
Dr. Covington, President Emeritus of Radford University, (1995- 2005) is survived by two sons, Anthony Covington and Jeffrey Covington; and two grandchildren, Christopher Slade Covington and Olivia Marie Covington; his brother-in-law Arthur Mitchell; and his sister-in-law Ozzie Topps. His extensive family includes nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of close friends.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio; his Master of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Covington devoted 50 years of his career as an educational leader. His optimistic spirit and leadership abilities inspired others to reach higher to achieve a "shared commitment to excellence." Prior to his appointment as the first African-American President of Radford University, he served as Chancellor of Winston-Salem State University in N.C.; President of Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala.; President of Cheyney University, Cheyney, Pa.; and Vice President of Development at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.
After retirement from RU, his educational leadership abilities were again in demand, and he was appointed Interim President of Emory & Henry College in Abingdon, (2005-2006).
Dr. Covington held leadership roles on governing boards of numerous civic and professional organizations at the state and national level. Some of these include: The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (Executive Committee of the Association and State Representative from North Carolina); the National Association for Equal Opportunity; the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education(Executive Committee); the North Carolina Board of Theater Arts; the North Carolina Art Museum; the Art Museum of Western Virginia; the Community Action Program's Total Action Against Poverty (TAP); and Virginia's Commission on Reform of Educational Leadership. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Education; the Faulkner University Board of Trustees; Virginia's Manufacturing Extension Partnership's Board of Trustees; the Board of Directors for the Miss Virginia Pageant; the Holding Company of Directors for the First National Bank Corporation; the National Student Conservation Association; and as Chairman of the Steering Committee on Historically Black Colleges and Universities for the United States Department of the Interior.
In addition, he has served as consultant to the Kellogg Foundation, the Hanes Corporation, and the National Council for Higher Education Management Systems, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Virginia's Department of Natural Resources. Additionally he is a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); an honorary member of The Progressive Men's Club; and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
He and his life-mate, Bea, devoted their lives to service to others, especially in higher education; and in doing so, made his priority an investment in the students' lifetimes. Phrases such as service, humility, honor, keen interest in people, learning to harmonize in this vast chorus of humanity, extol the values that the Covingtons conveyed.
While being interviewed for the presidency at RU, he was asked how he would like to be remembered. He replied: "I would like to be remembered as one who cared deeply about his students, and did his best every day to see that they received a first-class education." He frequently attended RU sporting events, especially Highlander Basket Ball; and promoted the Fine Arts at RU. The Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts stands as a reminder of the interest and energy he and Bea devoted to broadening opportunities for the fine arts at RU.
If you engaged Doug Covington in a conversation about athletics, you might have heard him recall his college days as a relay runner - where each successive member of the team would pass the baton to the next runner, when his portion of the race was complete. Dr. Covington's portion of the race is complete; and he is now passing the baton to the next generation, believing "the best is yet to come"!
Visitation will be held at the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for the Performing Arts at Radford University on Friday, June 29, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Grove United Methodist Church in Radford, on Saturday, June30, 2012, at noon.
A private interment will take place later in the day.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The H. Douglas & Beatrice M. Covington Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts. c/o Radford University Foundation Post Office Box 6893, Radford, VA 24142.
Arrangements entrusted to Penn's Funeral Home, Pulaski.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
