Remembering Dr. David O. Woodyard

Dear fellow Denisonians,

I am deeply saddened to share with you the news of the death of Professor of Religion David O. Woodyard at the age of 92.

Dave dedicated his career to his students and the intersection of faith, ethics, and social responsibility. For more than six decades, he challenged students to examine the role of religion — and themselves — in society, earning their respect and admiration. On the occasion of his 50th year of teaching, Dave’s former students put the call out to their classmates and compiled a thick book of letters, thanking him for the impact he had on their lives.

When he first joined Denison as dean of the chapel, Dave devoted countless hours listening to and offering guidance to students, a tradition he continued when he was appointed chair of the religion department. He chaired key committees, was twice elected chair of faculty, and became a trusted voice for university leadership. Dave received Denison’s Teaching Excellence Award and multiple Teacher of the Year honors. When I arrived at Denison, Dave was my mentor, helping me understand our culture, history, and values.

Dave’s connection to Denison began with his own undergraduate experience. He earned his B.A. at Denison in 1954, before completing his master of divinity at Union Theological Seminary in 1958 and a doctorate of ministry summa cum laude from Vanderbilt Divinity School.

His path to ministry was inspired at an early age by his family’s minister, who was a source of strength after Dave’s father, Denison alum and trustee Wilfred C. Woodyard '16, passed away unexpectedly. Dave and his wife Joanne, a member of the Class of 1955, established a scholarship in his parents’ names that supports financial aid for students.

Beyond campus, he held leadership roles with several community organizations, including Hospice Services of Licking County, Planned Parenthood of East Central Ohio, and Partners United for Youth at Risk.

An accomplished scholar, Dave authored ten books exploring questions

of human identity, social justice, and theological reflection. Notable works include Living without God, before God (1968), Beyond Cynicism: The Practice of Hope (1972), and Liberating Privilege: The Breakthrough of God and the Persistence of Normality (2016).

Dave’s lifelong ties to the Denison community are reflected in his accolades and enduring relationships, from his faithful attendance at basketball games to his role as an officiant for countless weddings of former students who have since become cherished friends.

Denison is defined by relationships and our students' lives are shaped by the mentorship they receive from our faculty. Dave embodied these qualities at their very best. He changed the lives of countless students and helped generations of faculty and staff learn what it means to be a Denisonian. We are a stronger and healthier college because of Dave. He will be missed by many, starting with me.

Dave was married to his adored wife Joanne for 70 years. His daughters, Kim, who died in 2024, and Sara of Richmond, Virginia, were the lights of his life. Our deepest condolences go out to Joanne and Sara, and to Dave’s large extended Denison family. We will share information about a service when it is available. The Denison flag will fly at half-staff for three days in his honor.

I want to close by thanking Dave for everything he did for Denison over the decades. He loved this college, and we loved him back. We will miss him.

Adam S. Weinberg

President

Denison University