Remembering Professor William Haney  

The College of Communication and the Arts mourns the recent loss of beloved Professor William Haney. As a faculty member at the University since fall 2000, Professor Haney attained the rank of tenured full professor and served as a leading educator in the field of graphic design and drawing. William Haney’s professional career initially began at Carnegie-Melon University, where he studied interactive computer graphics. Professor Haney’s interest in multidisciplinary research included biomedical illustration, design, and clinical product branding, with a passion for human and animal anatomy, medicine, and engineering contributing to his success as a medical artist.

At the University, Professor Haney was instrumental in the establishment of the College of Communication and the Arts, having collaborated with colleagues as part of initial conceptual, planning, and implementation committees. As an advocate for the establishment of the College, Professor Haney sought to create a supportive, accessible community for students to navigate their professional goals and passions just as deeply and intricately as he had. Thomas Rondinella, professor of visual and sound media, shared, "I have many great memories of my friend Bill," one memory included leaving Presidents Hall after a meeting about the formation of the College, "I turned to Bill and he said, 'I think this is going to happen." Professor Haney was a vibrant pillar within the CommArts family and remembering his kindness and heartfelt connection with the University is important to our campus community.

Founding Dean Deirdre Yates worked closely with Professor Haney. Dean Yates recalled her fond memories of Professor Haney. "I worked with Professor Haney on many projects, where I was fortunate to witness his outstanding artistic talents," she said. "His expressive creativity and attention to detail were remarkable. An advocate for students, Professor Haney loved to encourage students to expand their artistic skills and took enormous pleasure in watching them bloom – as artists and as people."

Likewise, other faculty members, administrators and students have expressed their fond memories of Professor Haney as a colleague, friend and artist. Assistant Dean Ryan Hudes, Ph.D., said, "I will remember Professor Haney as a gifted artist, passionate faculty member, leader and advocate for his students. Professor Haney was always thoughtful in his interactions and while he served as a Department Chair, he consistently sought to bring harmony across his program portfolio, colleagues and the broader College."

Other memories of Professor Haney include his infectious laugh, unconditional care for his discipline and his students, as well as his constant curiosity and inspirational nature. Department colleague Christine Lhowe, an assistant professor of art and design, noted her appreciation of Professor Haney’s high spirits. "Professor Haney was an admired colleague, a trusted mentor, and a friend. He approached teaching and his discipline with a level of care that was contagious," she said. "He inspired generations of students, including myself, and he will be very much missed."

Professor William Haney was from Elizabeth, New Jersey, and began drawing at a young age with professional training as an artist at the age of fifteen. He attended the University of Tampa, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Printmaking. He then attended the University of Georgia and earned a Master's in Fine Arts studying drawing and anatomy. Professor Haney’s professional history included working with notable organizations including Johnson and Johnson, Pharmacia Deltec and Osteonics Orthopedics, including the creation of advertisements and technical papers for such as products as Zocor, Port-a-Cath, Alloderm and AirCast. Professor Haney previously taught at The College of New Jersey and University of Pennsylvania's Penn School of Design before teaching at the University. Professor Haney was a loving father and husband, and is survived by his wife and five children.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate the life of Prof. William H. Haney will be celebrated November 19 at 2 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Chapel.

Categories: Campus Life, Education, Faith and Service