HT #fRAMily Mourns Loss Of Long-Time Biology Professor Dr. Kathy Schwab
Tuesday Jun, 01 2021
Huston-Tillotson University mourns the loss of Dr. Kathy Schwab, Professor of Biology, who passed away on May 29th.
Dr. Schwab joined the Biology faculty as a Professor in 1981. She served as Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences for 17 years, then as Chair of the expanded Department of Natural Sciences for 9 years. Dr. Schwab championed her discipline and her students through several major transitions, including work under four University Presidents, two major science building renovations, and the growth in Biology majors from 30 to over 100. Dr. Schwab earned her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin, all in Zoology.
Dr. Schwab shaped the science program at HT for decades through her mentoring of junior faculty members and her focus on students. She is remembered by the campus community as a dedicated science educator, a warm colleague, a passionate advocate for students, and a great friend. Her kindness, knowledge, and love of science shone through her many contributions. She will be very dearly missed.
“Dr. Schwab was one of the very first persons to reach out and welcome me upon my arrival to campus,” said Huston-Tillotson University President Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette. “Both of us being born in Ohio was an instant bond. Her fierce advocacy for her students, her faculty, her department, and the University was contagious. I quickly learned that I could always count on Dr. Schwab to tell me exactly what she thinks, nothing but the facts conversations, and wonderful stories of student success. I will always see her smile in my minds’ eye.”
Details on the service will be forthcoming.
“This is a heart wounding loss for our community,” Dr. Burnette continued. Her 40 years of service to our mission is extraordinary. Dr. Kathy Schwab’s physical presence on campus will be missed. Her life’s work will keep on giving through the thousands of lives she touched and poured into – including mine.”
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