The Austin College community celebrates the life and contributions of Dr. Howard A. Starr, 84, professor emeritus of psychology and education, who died on October 28, 2022. He joined the Austin College faculty in 1964 and retired in 2013, making him one of the longest-tenured faculty in the College’s history.
No visitation is planned. A memorial service will be scheduled in the future.
Dr. Starr added several activities to his teaching, ranging from the chair of the counseling center to campus ombudsman, dean of educational administration to Dean of Social Sciences.
In the 1980’s, he was both a psychology professor and vice president of the now defunct and reconfigured College Relations Division (including the areas of admission, financial aid, alumni and parent relations, college information, and the college mailing and printing services). During those years, he established the Student Development Board, a highly productive student team assisting the College Relations Division in programs and activities for many years.
Throughout all of his roles, his priority remained teaching. The classroom was his stage and his psychologist’s chair, allowing him to offer direction and assistance to his students.
A certified Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas, Howard was also certified as a clinical hypnotist by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, as well as a Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association (APA).
“To me, teaching is both an art and a science,” Howard said after some 45 years at Austin College. “I know of no other position where the slate is clean each September. Yet the challenges to harness the most from each of the new and returning students remain utmost. It has been fun, to say the least!”
The family obituary will be added here when available (including significant Austin College input thanks to Professor Emeritus of English Jerry Lincecum and Marketing & Communications staff).