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IN MEMORIAM
WILLIAM L. RUTHERFORD
William L. Rutherford, associate
professor emeritus of curriculum and instruction, died on March
26, 2002, at age 68. A memorial service was held at the Faith
Presbyterian Church in Austin on March 30, 2002.
Bill was born on April 12, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to Carl
and Pearl Rutherford. He completed high school there at Burbank
High School and received
a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at Trinity University.
He earned his doctoral degree from North Texas State University in elementary
education and personnel administration in 1964. He did postgraduate work
in reading education at the University of Chicago in 1967-68.
After service in the United State Army, he taught grades three
through eight in Dallas while pursuing his doctorate. Upon receipt
of the degree,
Bill moved to Tarkio College in Missouri, where he served as a professor,
dean of students, and chair of the education department during 1964–1967.
Dr. Rutherford arrived at The University of Texas at Austin in 1968 as
an assistant professor. By 1972 his teaching, research, and service earned
him the rank of associate professor and senior research associate at the
Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University.
A highly respected scholar, teacher, and advisor, he traveled extensively
and served in many roles including graduate advisor for reading programs
and assistant chairperson of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
He served as the director of the Education Placement Service from 1988
to 1993, where he initiated many positive programs and relationships between
the University and the public school systems.
After retirement from the University in 1998, Bill was actively sought
as a consultant by many, including the San Antonio ISD and the Southwest
Educational Development Laboratory, for his highly regarded research skills.
Unbeknownst to most people was Bill’s work with the community, including
his church and the Children’s Hospital of Austin, where he served
as a volunteer for countless hours after his retirement. He was the personification
of the term “giving back.” Testimony at his memorial revealed
the depth of his involvement in helping others.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn Rutherford; brother Carl Rutherford;
children, Kristina Webb, Kyle Rutherford, and Keith Rutherford; and grandchildren,
Leah, Sean, Megan, Summer, and April.
<signed>
Larry R. Faulkner,
President
The University of Texas at Austin
<signed>
John R. Durbin, Secretary
The General Faculty
This memorial resolution was prepared by a special committee consisting
of Professor Frank J. Guszak (chair), Associate Professor Elaine D. Fowler,
and Professor James V. Hoffman.
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