2008 Woodie Awards
Runnels spent career in Texas higher education
St. Philip's College plans a May 22 memorial.
By Jason B. Hogan
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
Originally published: 5/16/08 at 7:40 PM CSTLast update: 5/16/08 at 9:21 PM CST
Dr. Angie Starkes Runnels, remembered by most for her kindness, caring and strength of character in her tenure at St. Philip's College as president from 2000 to 2006, died May 2, after a lengthy respiratory illness, at the age of 70.
"Dr. Runnels left a lasting impression on the field of education and the extended St. Philip's College community," said Dr. Adena Williams Loston, who took over as president in March 2007.
"Dr. Runnels was held in high regard and was well-respected," Loston said. "Her commitment to the community college agenda is well-known throughout the state of Texas."
Runnels was born Sept. 7, 1937, in Tyler and received a bachelor's degree in English from Butler College, along with a master's degree in education from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.
She served in the Dallas County Community College District during a 25-year career before serving as president of St. Philip's, from which she retired in 2006.
A college news release said Runnels passed away at her home in Richardson with her daughter by her side.
In a online guest book sponsored by The Dallas Morning News, one visitor wrote, "Dr. Runnels was a great example. Before leaving St. Philip's, she shared some thoughts to help us succeed:
"'If other people are doing it, you probably can do it, too,' 'look for the good fit,' 'don't lose focus' and 'allow people to help you.'"
Runnels' family has planned a scholarship to commemorate her career, according to the St. Philip's news release.
Runnels was celebrated in a May 9 memorial service at the Restland Wildwood Chapel in Dallas.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. May 22 in the Watson Fine Arts Center at St. Philip's College. It will be open to the public.
For more information on the memorial service, or to donate to the scholarship, visit www.legacy.com/sanantonio/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=109165290, the Express-News obituaries link.
Also, visit The Dallas Morning News site to sign her guest book at www.legacy.com/dallasmorningnews/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=109180617.
"Dr. Runnels left a lasting impression on the field of education and the extended St. Philip's College community," said Dr. Adena Williams Loston, who took over as president in March 2007.
"Dr. Runnels was held in high regard and was well-respected," Loston said. "Her commitment to the community college agenda is well-known throughout the state of Texas."
Runnels was born Sept. 7, 1937, in Tyler and received a bachelor's degree in English from Butler College, along with a master's degree in education from East Texas State University, now Texas A&M University-Commerce, and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.
She served in the Dallas County Community College District during a 25-year career before serving as president of St. Philip's, from which she retired in 2006.
A college news release said Runnels passed away at her home in Richardson with her daughter by her side.
In a online guest book sponsored by The Dallas Morning News, one visitor wrote, "Dr. Runnels was a great example. Before leaving St. Philip's, she shared some thoughts to help us succeed:
"'If other people are doing it, you probably can do it, too,' 'look for the good fit,' 'don't lose focus' and 'allow people to help you.'"
Runnels' family has planned a scholarship to commemorate her career, according to the St. Philip's news release.
Runnels was celebrated in a May 9 memorial service at the Restland Wildwood Chapel in Dallas.
A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. May 22 in the Watson Fine Arts Center at St. Philip's College. It will be open to the public.
For more information on the memorial service, or to donate to the scholarship, visit www.legacy.com/sanantonio/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=109165290, the Express-News obituaries link.
Also, visit The Dallas Morning News site to sign her guest book at www.legacy.com/dallasmorningnews/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=109180617.
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