University of Richmond Trustees Name Six to Honor Roll of Distinguished Faculty, Administrators and Staff
January 16, 2006
Six former professors and professor-administrators have been named to the University of Richmond Trustees’ Honor Roll of Distinguished Faculty, Administrators and Staff.
Fred Anderson, executive director of both the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the university’s archives, announced the selections at a Jan. 8 program at Boatwright Memorial Library on campus hosted by Claire M. Rosenbaum, chair of the trustees’ committee on the history of the university.
The honor roll was established in 1979 to recognize individuals from the now 176-year history of the university who gave exemplary service. Members’ names are inscribed on a display in the entrance hall of the library. The six newly named to the honor roll were:
Frances Wheeler Gregory (1912-98). Gregory taught history at the university from 1950-80, serving six years as department chair and helping create the history honors program. Gregory received emerita status upon retirement. She was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society and an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa. The Frances W. Gregory Award is given annually to Westhampton College’s best history graduate. Gregory earned her A.B. degree from Sweet Briar College and master’s and doctoral degrees from Radcliffe College.
William Asbury Harris (1864-1945). Harris taught ancient languages at Richmond from 1901-41 and was awarded emeritus status. From 1914-42, he served as either secretary or director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society at the university. He received his master’s degree from Richmond and doctorate from Johns Hopkins University.
William Hensley Leftwich (1931-86). Leftwich began his tenure at the University of Richmond as a professor of psychology in 1961, becoming department chair and director of the Center for Psychological Services in 1966. In 1968, he was named associate dean of summer school, a division of University College (today, the School of Continuing Studies), served as director of student services and activities from 1972-73 and was named vice president for student affairs in 1973. Leftwich supervised all student life matters including counseling and guidance, orientation, career planning, social organizations, activities and health services. He also held responsibilities in student housing and food service and was active in professional, civic and community activities. Leftwich received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Richmond and his doctorate from Purdue University.
Caroline Stookey Lutz (1889-1967). Lutz taught English from 1917-59, capturing the creative skills of her students by enlisting them in the university’s Marionette Repertory Theater, which she established about 1930 and expanded over the years. Today, most of her puppets are in the collection of the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. She received her bachelor’s degree from Goucher College and master’s degree from Columbia University.
Edward Franklin Overton (1911-86). Overton guided eight student generations into the field of teaching, serving as a professor of education and department chair 1946-78. He also served as dean of the summer school. Overton joined the faculty following practical educational administration experience in public schools. He gave his time and expertise to the larger community, serving on the governing boards of several institutions including Virginia Intermont College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as participating in numerous secondary school accreditation teams. After retiring from teaching, he served on Richmond’s board of associates. Overton received his bachelor’s degree from Richmond and master’s and doctorate from the University of Virginia.
Jean Gray Wright (1896-1988). Wright taught French at the university from 1930-66 and also served as chair of the Department of Modern Languages for 19 years. She was awarded emerita status in 1973. Active in professional organizations for teachers of foreign languages, she was an officer of the Modern Language Association of Virginia. As a continuing learner, she undertook postgraduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. An avid traveler, she opened the minds of her students to other cultures. In retirement, she was a founder of the Friends of Boatwright Memorial Library and worked for advancement of the library’s collections and services. Wright received her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Bryn Mawr College and master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.