(Enlarge photo)

William S. HuddlestonBerry, professor and department chair of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Webster University, died Sunday, July 23, of heart failure. He is survived by Jon Atkinson, his partner of 37 years.

Professor HuddlestonBerry will be remembered as an exceptional teacher, mentor, scholar, colleague and leader. A graduate of Southwest Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University, and Webster University, Prof. HuddlestonBerry held graduate degrees in Social Psychology, Sociology, and Counseling. On the faculty of Webster University since 1972, he was chair of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department for over 30 years.

As chair, Bill's vision guided both the growth and character of the department. Beginning as a small department, Behavioral and Social Sciences is now home to many undergraduate and graduate programs ranging from anthropology to psychology to legal studies. He was particularly instrumental in the development of graduate programs in counseling, management, and gerontology, programs offered worldwide. This extensive growth reflects his belief that understanding individuals, society, and culture has value to each person as they develop, interact, learn, and live within the global community.

A man of service, Professor HuddlestonBerry volunteered his time on several committees, boards, and organizations, both within the University and the broader outside community. He worked tirelessly within the University on curriculum development, organizational support, mentoring, program administration, experiential learning, and faculty development. As noted by one of his colleagues, "William S. HuddlestonBerry gave extraordinary service to the university and extraordinarily."

Professor HuddlestonBerry's academic and professional interests focused on sociological analysis, symbolic interactionism, social cognition, and social language constructs. He also worked extensively with dentists and other health care professionals teaching the lessons of holistic medical care and person-centered treatment. But most importantly, Bill was a teacher. He believed that the classroom provides situational context for social change, personal growth, and intellectual inquiry. He once commented that, "Teaching is both my vocation and avocation...and Webster University has provided me with the opportunity to engage my passion."

Bill's enthusiasm for learning was infectious, and he never tired of sharing ideas about anthropology, sociology, psychology, and history, highlighting their relevance to current social issues. His commitment to teaching and students was honored in 1984, as he was the first recipient of the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award and in 1992, and one of the first recipients of the William T. Kemper Excellence in Teaching Award.

Bill was a tall man but never made anyone feel small. His genuine care and respect for the individual, whether student, colleague, friend, or stranger was immense and deeply founded. He gave freely of himself to his friends and his students. He was William, he was Willy, he was Billy, he was Liam, and he was Bill. Most importantly, he was beloved and treasured. His legacy of joy, enthusiasm for life, and quest for knowledge lives on in all who were fortunate enough to have their life's path cross with his. He will be missed.

Share your memories and thoughts about Bill
for this web site.