J. William (Bill) Douglas, an alumnus of West Virginia University and former dean for the WVU School of Physical Education, died on Monday, Oct. 31.
A native of Morgantown, W.Va., Douglas earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WVU and was a member of the Mountaineer baseball team. He earned his doctorate degree from Ohio State University in 1969.
Following graduation, Douglas worked as a teacher, baseball coach and administrator at Glenville State, Ohio State and Kentucky Wesleyan. He returned to WVU in 1972 as chair of the WVU Department of Physical Education and later became the dean of the School of Physical Education. He taught in the WVU sport management program from 1992 until his retirement in 2001. He received acclaim and recognition for the development of physical education throughout the state and nation through service, publications, presentations and leadership offices in professional organizations.
In honor of his Mountaineer spirit, the Dean Bill Douglas Scholarship was established to create a bright future for students by helping them fulfill their dreams. The scholarship recognizes his efforts in transforming the college through significant changes in a positive and professional manner during his time as dean.
His service to WVU extended beyond his role as dean. He was a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Visiting Committee and chaired both CPASS Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Committees. In recognition of his service to the College, he is a member of its Hall of Fame and recipient of its Outstanding Alumnus award.
He was actively involved in the WVU Alumni Association serving on its board of directors and as past president of the Emeritus Club. Douglas was a member of the WVU Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee and involved over the years in search committees for athletic directors, college deans and vice presidents.
In 2015, he was inducted into the WVU Order of Vandalia – the highest honor bestowed to individuals for service to the University.
“Bill was a mentor, friend and public servant who taught me about life and leadership,” said Dana Brooks, who succeeded Douglas as the dean for the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and served in the role until 2019. “I recall the words of Bobby Knight, who said ‘The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare.’ Bill was always prepared as a teacher, administrator, athlete and servant to the profession. I thank him for inspiring students and future leaders. He was a genuine Mountaineer and embodied the people of the state.”
Moe Rubenstein, a 1981 WVU graduate with a degree in physical education and a 1984 graduate of the WVU School of Law was instrumental in creating a scholarship in honor of Douglas. “Bill wrapped his heart around the students and inspired the faculty to do their best. He nurtured the School of Physical Education as a family and gave his all to guide everyone to reach their full potential,” Rubenstein said.
“He delighted in the success of others, always bending the spotlight away from himself and shining it on the team members,” he continued. “He was brilliant, compassionate, hardworking and deeply loyal – the epitome of a Mountaineer. His legacy of giving selflessly will continue to help us and future generations strive to excel in all facets of our lives. He will be missed by many for a very long time.”
“It is obvious that Bill Douglas embodied all of the ideals that make a true Mountaineer,” said Autumn Cyprès, dean of the College of Applied Human Sciences. “He set a standard of leadership and dedication to the University that we all should aspire to.”
A service to remember his life and legacy will be held in Morgantown on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. at Suncrest United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Weddington United Methodist Church in memory of John William Douglas, 13901 Providence Road, Weddington, NC, 28104.
In memory of Dr. Douglas, friends may also contribute directly to the scholarship created in his name via this website created by the WVU Foundation. For additional information on memorial donations, please contact Aaron Ryan, Director of Development at 304-293-0858 or a.ryan@wvuf.org