RU Remembers Dr. Covington as Gentleman, Scholar and Friend

A Tribute To

H. Douglas Covington, Ph.D.

President of Radford University

1995-2005

The entire Radford family was saddened to hear of the death of the university's fifth president, Dr. H. Douglas Covington, on Wednesday, June 27, 2012.  Since then, remembrances have poured in to campus by email and phone, and hundreds have paid tribute to Dr. Covington on Facebook and Twitter. Overwhelmingly, they honor him as a gentleman and a scholar.

Colleagues, students and friends recall his brilliant mind and his dazzling smile.  They remember him as calm, courteous and self-deprecating—he could laugh at himself.  At the same time, he spoke and wrote with eloquence and insight.  Many say they were touched personally by his genuine affection for each person he knew, no matter his or her station in life.  He appreciated every gesture of kindness toward him and every encouraging word, and he said so.  He also showed kindness to others at every turn.

Dr. Douglas Covington

Dr. Douglas Covington, who served as Radford University's fifth president from 1995 to 2005, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the age of 77.

Dr. Covington truly believed that each person can succeed on her or his own merits, regardless of gender or ethnicity, of age or social status.  There was no place in his philosophy for prejudice or pessimism.

Dr. Covington's belief in equality was evident in his partnership with his beloved wife, Bea. Mrs. Covington was at his side for public events and was highly visible on campus.  She attended events in his stead when he had other obligations, becoming well known throughout the community. Where he was dignified and stately, she was warm and funny, often described as a person who never met a stranger.

Douglas and Bea Covington

Douglas and Bea Covington

Mrs. Covington's friendships with staff members inspired the Staff Senate, after her death, to establish an award in her memory.  Each year at the staff picnic, the Bea Covington Award goes to a person who exemplifies the character and spirit of Mrs. Covington.  Staff members are nominated by their colleagues. According to the award guidelines, those chosen "consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, are fun to be around and treat others with dignity, respect and kindness."

The most visible symbol of the Covingtons' legacy is the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts.  Although Mrs. Covington did not live to see this elegant building completed, Dr. Covington attended the gala opening in November, 2008.  The university, the local community and dear friends and family came together on that occasion to honor him and to celebrate his service, leadership and vision.  Dr. Covington often commented on how proud and humbled he was to have a building named after him and his beloved Bea.

The H. Douglas and Beatrice M. Covington Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts was established after Bea's death to honor Dr. and Mrs. Covington.  The family requests that anyone wishing to memorialize the Covingtons do so by making a gift to the scholarship fund.  Donations may be sent to the Radford University Foundation, P.O. Box 6893, Radford, VA 24142.  Please note the name of the scholarship on the check's memo line.

Jun 29, 2012
Office of the President
(540) 831-5000