George Boyd

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of George Boyd, former executive director of admissions and financial aid, director of study abroad, and professor emeritus of religion at Trinity.  He died Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Denver, Colo., at the age of 72. 

During a distinguished 31-year career as an administrator and faculty member at Trinity, Dr. Boyd made countless contributions that were vital to the life of the University.

Dr. Boyd received his doctoral degree from Union Theological Seminary, New York, his master’s degree in divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, and his bachelor’s degree from Austin College in Sherman.

He came to Trinity in 1969 as an assistant professor of religion, teaching courses such as Contemporary Religious Thought and Religion in Literature. He also authored numerous publications in the discipline. He became an associate professor in 1975 and a professor in 1983.

In 1976, he was named dean of the Faculty of Humanities and, in 1980, became dean of the Humanities and Arts. 

While dean, Dr. Boyd developed and guided the study abroad program at Trinity. He left the dean’s office to become director of Study Abroad and Off Campus Study in 1985 and served in that position until he retired.

In 1993, Dr. Boyd’s duties were broadened as he became director of Admissions.  In 1996 he was promoted to executive director of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Dr. Boyd was extremely active in the life of the University, serving as chair of the Faculty Senate from 1986-87, chair of the Faculty Development Committee in 1991, on the University Curriculum Council, and chair of the Council’s Committee on Bylaws.

He was an active member of several other committees including the Health Professions Advisory Committee and the Faculty-Staff Handbook Committee.  Dr. Boyd was also the Fulbright Adviser for the University.

He received many honors during his academic career.  He served on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Religion and was the president of the Southwest Region of the Academy.

He received the IES Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute for the International Education of Students to honor his significant achievement and contributions in the study abroad field.

And he received the Education Abroad Leadership Award from NAFSA: Association of International Educators in honor of his “high ethical standards, his service as a resource to the education abroad community and for his pioneering efforts to develop international education at Trinity.”  

He retired in 2000 with his wife, Lois, another long-time administrator for the University, who passed away in 2007.

He is survived by daughter Carol Stephenson, and husband Bruce, and grandchildren Erik and Claire Stephenson.

A memorial service for Dr. Boyd will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Margarite B. Parker Chapel.

© 2008 Trinity University