COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS REMEMBERS DONALD R. RYE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Students, faculty, staff, and alumni—those who worked with Donald R. Rye during his 25 years with the University of Arkansas will gather on Friday, March 9, 2001, at 3:00 p.m. in Giffels Auditorium to remember and mourn the passing of an influential educator. Rye, professor of counselor education in the College of Education and Health Professions, died February 1 at Washington Regional Medical Center.

In gratitude for his many contributions to students and to the counseling education profession, the college will name the counseling education laboratory in his honor.

Christopher J. Lucas, professor and head of the UA Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling and Foundations praised Rye’s exemplary commitment to sound professional preparation, meaningful standards for practitioners, and stringent self-policing of the profession.

"Professor Rye played a pivotal role in the development of counselor licensure in Arkansas over the past two decades," Lucas said. "It would be difficult to identify any other single individual who has done so much to improve counseling and counselor education throughout this region."

Rye’s former student, David Jones, who graduated in 1995, organized the memorial service to give former and current students and faculty an opportunity to share what Rye meant to their lives.

"Self-confidence is a gift Don gave me through his incredible belief in my ability," said former student Laurie A. Carlson, assistant professor in counseling/career development, Colorado State University. "I was aware of this belief not only through his words but through his actions."

Jones said, "He modeled the best qualities of a counselor as well as a teacher."

Another former student, Lynn Brandsma, on the education and human services faculty of Villanova University, echoed Carlson’s observation.

"Dr. Rye created an atmosphere in class of open-minded inquiry," Brandsma said. "This is what I strive for now as a professor, and I often fall short. Dr. Rye made it look easy. He will be missed."

Rye received numerous honors and awards during his career. Most recently, the Arkansas Counseling Association honored him with the Distinguished Professional Service Award, its highest award, for his outstanding service and significant contributions to counselors and the counseling profession. He was honored in 1998 with the Kathleen Wrenn Humane and Caring Person Award and received the ACA’s Research Award in 1999.

He was appointed by two Arkansas governors to the Counseling Board of Examiners, serving as chairman of the board for six years. Rye’s work is published in numerous professional journals, and he authored a textbook on school counseling.

Born February 12, 1940, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University in 1962, followed by a master’s and doctorate degrees in guidance and counseling from Indiana University. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Jones Rye, two daughters, Carrie and Tonia; parents, Reverend A. C. and Vesta Massey Rye; three brothers, Glen, Alton, and Charles; a sister, Wanda Rye Perry; and a grandson, Burkemon Rye-Banks.