Samuel “Sam” Coburn Stringfield, PhD
Samuel ‘Sam’ Coburn Stringfield, PhD, came into this life in Waynesville, NC January 24, 1949. A warm-hearted, generous mentor and educator extraordinaire, he devoted his life to positive reform, making a real difference in this world. He stepped away unexpectedly on July 31, 2016 in Cincinnati, OH.
A gentleman, a scholar, a mentor, an educator, a lover and husband, a proud son and brother, a treasured uncle and cousin: just a few of the words that come to mind, thinking of Sam.
Though his life included travel and research around the world (his always current list amounted to 38 countries and all of the United States), he remained connected and proud of his Waynesville, North Carolina roots and youth. Graduation from UNC eventually led to doctoral work at Temple University, then to an Assistant Professorship at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, the start of a professional career which included positions as a Research Scientist, Distinguished University Scholar and Director of the School of Education, at The Johns Hopkins University, University of Louisville, and University of Cincinnati, respectively. And perhaps the position of which he was most proud: An effective member of the New Baltimore City School Board.
Yet his passion, rooted in the work he did on what educational strategies got effective results for children at risk, was that of a mentor and colleague. He would always rather work on a team; would always see that the entire team got the credit. He poked when needed, praised when earned. He will be missed by more than he’ll ever know … lots of them perhaps those colleagues, known and unknown, who raised his Google Scholar citation level to just shy of 9,000 (a number also always current) by July 31, 2016.
He’s gone too soon; his calendar and desk reflect that he was in the midst of lots of projects. His two new kittens miss him, as do his wife, Kathleen, his sisters, Ann and Mary and the many, many folks – nieces and nephews, in-laws and cousins, students and colleagues — who treasured him in their lives.
Family and friends will be sharing memories and toasting his very self at a Gathering of friends and memories in late October in Waynesville, NC, whence he hailed. If you have a story or memory (multiples are okay) that you would be willing to write up and share, we would love to compile a small book (he being a print sort of guy!). You can contact us at sam.stringfield@fuse.net.
In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate a donation to your favorite cause or to the Sam and Kathleen Stringfield Fund for Doctoral Student Support at the UC Foundation (http://foundation.uc.edu/areas-to-support?s-Keyword=stringfield&s-search=1)
Good night, sweet prince. You are missed.
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