George Denny, Professor of Educational Statistics, Dies at 55

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George Denny,professor of educational statistics

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – George Denny, a professor of educational statistics and research methods at the University of Arkansas, passed away Thursday, June 13, while working in the Graduate Education Building.

Denny, 55, of Fayetteville, joined the faculty of the College of Education and Health Professions in 1991. He earned a doctorate in educational psychology from Michigan State University in 1990.

“We are mourning our colleague and our friend,” said Tom Smith, dean of the college. “George was a friend to everyone, and he helped anyone who asked. He was an excellent statistician and worked with many other faculty members in our college and other colleges on campus to be sure they had the most accurate data possible for their research. Students respected and liked him immensely, and we will miss him very much.”

In May, Denny received the college’s STAR (service, teaching, advising, research) award given to the outstanding all-around faculty member. Comments from students submitted with the nomination described Denny as a challenging teacher in terms of student expectations and extremely well-liked for his laid-back approach to teaching, his enthusiasm in the classroom and his ability to explain difficult concepts effectively.

In addition to teaching eight classes during the year, he served as program coordinator for educational statistics and research methods, a position that included responsibilities of budgeting, purchasing, hiring instructors and scheduling classes. He also served on 16 doctoral dissertation committees, two college governance committees and on two journal editorial boards as well as reviewing four book chapters and one manuscript in the past year.

Denny received a master’s degree in 1981 from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in 1979 from Michigan State University, both in mathematics. He taught six years in the department of mathematics and statistics at Wichita State University before coming to Arkansas.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling, and he played racquetball regularly with colleagues and friends.

 Denny is survived by his wife, Heather, and five children, Dorothy, Fred, Elly, Alex and Charles.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.