Today@Sam Article
Remembering Dr. Richard Cording
July 8, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti
The Bearkat community is mourning the loss of Richard Cording, professor emeritus of philosophy at Sam Houston State University.
Cording's 40-year career with SHSU began in 1970 when he was recruited to initiate and develop the university’s philosophy department.
Understanding the need to encourage leaders of tomorrow, Cording was one of the founders of the Freshman Leadership program at SHSU.
Doing more than speaking of leadership, Cording stepped forward in 1979 to become acting dean, and from ’81 to ’94, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Presiding over a period of dynamic growth, he saw his position as a place from which to lead and to innovate.
Further evidence of his devoted leadership can be seen in his formation of the Texas Association of Deans of Liberal Arts and Sciences, an organization over which he founded and presided as president in its first two years.
As a professor, Cording exhibited top-notch teaching skills. With turn-away crowds in the courses he taught, his students expressed their respect and admiration for his ability in the classroom, ensuring his reputation as one of the university’s more popular and effective professors. As a confirmation of his gifted teaching, Cording won the University Excellence in Teaching award in 1978, one of the first years in which it was awarded. In 2013, Cording was a recipient of the SHSU Wall of Honor.
Cording had a great love serving as professor of philosophy, professor emeritus of philosophy, and as an adviser. He was often credited with rescuing students' college careers when challenged, turning a rocky academic career around for a struggling student.
Obituary for Dr. Richard Arnold Cording.
Photo: Former dean, John de Castro, presenting Cording with 2013 Wall of Honor plaque.
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