Michael Collie, Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work, Dies at Age 54

Photo Courtesy of the Family

Michael Collie

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Michael Eugene Collie, 54, clinical assistant professor and director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, passed away Sunday, May 17, in Winslow.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 22, in Old Main's Giffels Auditorium. A reception will follow. 

Collie's unique laugh brought joy to those close to him. He cultivated deep and long-lasting friendships and had a lifelong love of music, playing drums, flute and piano. He was a Sundancer who was proud of his Native American heritage. He is remembered as sincere, authentic, kind-hearted and generous of spirit. His friendly, affectionate nature led to his reputation as someone who never met a stranger. He will missed and never forgotten. 

Collie worked in the field of social work for more than 30 years. He served as clinical director for three hospitals and six outpatient clinics including Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Vista Health and Ozark Guidance Center. He joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 2007 and has held a full time appointment in the School of Social Work since 2009.

A pioneer in distance education, Collie has taught many online and face-to-face courses. He conducted training for public schools and social service agencies and provided continuing education seminars for mental health professionals.

"I took Human Diversity and he gets so excited. He teaches sensitivity trainings, etc. in the area and really knows what he's talking about," a student wrote in a teacher evaluation of Collie. "I saw this class as an obstacle to getting to higher classes and his enthusiasm roped me in."

Another student described him as "an amazing teacher and is more focused on teaching about practice applications than on book lessons."

In addition to teaching, he also upheld his work as a practitioner and was co-owner of Collie Clinical Consulting in Fayetteville. 

Collie received a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and sociology from the University of Arkansas in 1983. He earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1998.

Collie was born Nov. 18, 1960, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Neil and Mary Lou (Mertel) Collie, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Sara. They were married on May 6, 1995. He is also survived by two sisters, Anita King of Mountain Home and Marjorie (Richard) Alejandro of San Jose, California; one niece, Kristi (Tim) Seawright of Mountain Home; five nephews, Richard (Candice) King, Jesse and Robert Alejandro and Joshua and Jacob Walburn; two great nieces, Emma Kate and Sydney; one great nephew, Ben; parents-in-law, Ron and Peggy Treadway; and sister-in-law, Jennifer (Scott) Walburn. 

In lieu of flowers, family and friends can honor Collie's legacy by making a contribution to the School of Social Work at the University of Arkansas. Gifts can be sent to 300 UNHS, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, Please note in the memo section that this is a memorial gift to the School of Social Work.

Please visit www.nelsonberna.com to sign the online guest book.