Centenary College Mourns Loss of Dean of Students

Dean David Womack

SHREVEPORT, La.— David Womack, Dean of Students at Centenary College, died suddenly and unexpectedly today at approximately 1 p.m. from unknown causes.

Dean Womack had been at Centenary since September 2008 and was responsible for the oversight of the departments of Career Services, Student Life programs and activities, Fitness Center operations, Residence Life, Health Services and College Counseling.

"The entire Centenary community is deeply saddened at this sudden and tragic loss," said Dr. David Rowe, president of Centenary College. "David was a colleague, a mentor and a friend to many on this campus and others throughout the community. He made a lasting impression on our campus in the short time he was here at Centenary and he will be deeply missed."

Womack came to Centenary with more than 20 years of experience in higher education administration. Before assuming his current position, he was the Dean of Student Development at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill.

Womack also had 13 years of experience as a trainer and programmer in the areas of cultural diversity. He served as a consultant on diversity training and volunteer programs at many colleges and universities. Womack published numerous articles in the area of retention, freshman experience and diversity awareness.

Womack also presented at numerous national conferences on various topics including "The Role of Student Personnel Administrators in Black Student Retention," "The Multi-Racial Student Experience" and "How to Start a Volunteer Service Program at Your Institution."

He was a graduate of Lock Haven University and earned a master's degree in Counseling/Student Personnel from Western Maryland College.

Dean Womack is survived by his wife Elizabeth Henning, and his four children, Donovan, Tyler, Mason and Landon. Womack was 49.

A memorial service has been set for Thursday, September 3, 2009, at Brown Chapel.