Donald G. Phelps

Dr. Donald G. Phelps, W.K. Kellogg Regents Professor in Community College Leadership, the College of Education, at The University of Texas at Austin, died unexpectedly in Austin, on July 5, 2003, after a brief illness. He was born in Seattle, Washington, on July 22, 1929, one of three children to Donald S. and Louise Gayton Phelps. Don joined The University of Texas graduate faculty in 1994, after a 35-year career as a teacher, elementary and secondary school principal, school superintendent, community college president, and community college chancellor in Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. He was the first African American to serve as chancellor of both the Seattle and the Los Angeles community college districts. As chancellor of the Los Angeles District, Don led the nation's most diverse two-year college system that included nine colleges with an enrollment of more than 150, 000 students-a diverse student body, speaking more than 45 languages, and including the largest number of African American and Hispanic students of any collegiate institution in the United States. Don frequently observed that walking across the campus of Los Angeles City College was akin to walking across the United Nations. Among his numerous honors, two were most reflective of the accomplishments of his personal and professional lives. In 1998, Dr. Phelps received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges, the highest recognition awarded to anyone in the community college field. That same year, he received the National Leadership Award from the National Council of Black American Affairs. For the past seven years, Don served on the Men's Athletics Council at The University of Texas, most recently serving as chair. In that capacity, he was advisor to UT's president on all intercollegiate athletic matters. Don was especially proud of the University's athletic program and relished his role in supporting and maintaining the program's tradition of high standards, stellar quality, and unique brand of excellence. As well, Don served for two years as Chair of UT's Department of Educational Administration. Dr. Phelps served in top leadership positions in federal and county governments-in particular, as Director of Executive Administration for King County, where he was responsible for the management of all branches of county government in Seattle; and as a director in the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare where he authored the first report to the U.S. Congress on alcohol abuse in the United States. Don took exceptional pride in his years as president of Seattle Central Community College and as chancellor of the Seattle Community College District. And testimony to his diverse skills was one of his earliest roles as a news commentator for KOMO Television and Radio in Seattle, where he composed and presented commentary about world, national, and local events each evening over the Seattle ABC affiliate. He frequently regaled and simultaneously instructed colleagues and students with stories of the subtleties of critical strategies for bringing events to life in the minds and hearts of his audience who existed only within the sound of his voice. Don was a beloved member of Sigma Pi Phi, a fraternity founded in 1904, purposely to allow men of equal professional concerns the opportunities to socialize and get to know the "better" of each other. Don was a member of the Gamma Gamma local Boul, chartered in 1984, in Austin. Always at the ready with an appropriate response, Don enjoyed the opportunities to address the more hilarious questions that Boule, members posed about his diverse activities at The University. Don's affable style and keen wit were memorable contributions to every conversation, both personal and professional. He was a gifted teacher and was always described by his students as bringing joy to his every class and making each of them feel special. He always had time for his students, making them welcome in his office and in his home. And, closest to his heart, he was always there for his children-the consummate father, trusted confidante, constant champion, and very best friend. Don is survived by his wife, Pamela; his children, Richard N., Michael K., and Dawn S. Phelps; his grandchildren, Nichole, Damon, Dominique, Marcel, and Deshawn Phelps; and his great-grandchildren, Brenda Jackson and Damoni Phelps. In lieu of flowers, Don's family requests that donations be made to the Seattle Central Community College Foundation, 1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122; or to the Community College Leadership Scholarship Program, The University of Texas, One University Station, D5600, Austin, Texas, 78712. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas 78705-(512)452-8811