Dr. Theresa Ann Powell

Remembering the life of Dr. Theresa Ann Powell

Dr. Theresa Ann Powell was the ninth child born to the late Steave and Amanda Powell in Fort Worth, Texas on February 10, 1952. With 4° and 6" grade educations, her parents believed in the power of education and instilled a love of learning in their children. This was the motivation that catapulted Theresa's journey in education. The Powell family resided in the historic neighborhood commonly known as "Stop-Six" where they worshipped at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Theresa accepted Christ at an early age.

Theresa was educated in the Fort Worth Independent School District and was a 1970 graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. While enrolled at Dunbar she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the illustrious Dunbar Wildcat Marching Band. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, her master's degree from Texas Christian University, and her Doctoral degree from The Ohio State University.

A highly respected career professional in higher education administration, Theresa served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Temple University, a position she assumed in 2002 and remained until her passing. She was heavily recruited to Temple University by the late Temple President, Dr. David Adamany, who enlisted her student affairs expertise to facilitate Temple's transition from a commuter campus to today's residential campus, and to professionalize Temple's division of student affairs. Before arriving at Temple, Theresa was Vice President for Student Affairs at Western Michigan University for 12 years, where she also held a faculty appointment and was a tenured professor. In addition, she held higher education administrative roles at various institutions, from community colleges to HBCUs to large public universities. With her accomplished leadership positions, her extensive student affairs experience, and her ability to create shared and inclusive missions and visions, she became known for her ability to transform divisions of student affairs.

Theresa had a distinguished career in institutional leadership and was heavily involved in national and community service. Her career accomplishments include her tenure as the first African American female president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), where she was honored as a Pillar of the Profession, a recipient of the Fred Turner Award for Outstanding Service to NASP A, and a Legacy of the Profession. She taught, presented, wrote, and consulted widely on various student affairs issues, including student culture and diversity, career concerns of women administrators, student leadership, and campus programming. In 2018, she was invited to be an Executive-in-Residence at the University of Florida.

Theresa was a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Chester (PA) Alumnae Chapter, the Penn Town Chapter of Links Inc., as well as a charter member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of Links, Inc. She was a member of Second Mount Zion Baptist Church, Pastor James Moore, Sr. and was responsible for the New Member Orientation.

On Tuesday morning, January 3 Theresa answered God's call. The Lord said to Theresa, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." ~ Matthew 25:23 (NKJV) Theresa leaves to cherish her memories her sister, Bobbye (Sam) Traylor; and brothers Marvin (Rev. Dr. Anita) Powell, Esq., James (Debra) Powell, sister-in-law Alice Powell,

and sister-in-love Gloria Towner. Nieces: Renae' (Tyrone) Thompson, Pamela (Michael) Ikner, Juanice Powell, Dr. Kyra (Dr. Clarence) Clark, Dr. Khamia Powell, Dr. Jamaica (Cedrick) Chapple, Ja'Nae (Dr. Johnny) McGee. Nephews: Douglas Powell, Mark Traylor, Chad Traylor, Eric Lester, Calvin Powell, Jonathan Powell, and Christopher Powell, Esq. Grandnieces: Micaela Ikner, Tiffany Lester, Ivana Thompson, Maya Lester, and Kinsleigh McGee. Grandnephews: Christian Ikner, Taylor Ikner, Joshua Powell, Preston Lester, Brendan Lester, Myles Powell, Gavin Clark, Aaron Traylor, and Weston Clark; several cousins, friends, and colleagues. Her brothers Steave Powell, Jr., and Harold "Petty" Powell preceded her in death.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the Powell family.