Dr Willie Hallford Passing
Professor Emeritus Willie Hallford, 75, passed away on September 25, 2021. Dr. Hallford was a fixture in the psychology department, where his lab on the third floor of Bridges hall always had an open door, abundant snacks, and a group of students. Student mentorship was his passion and he regularly supported students through research activities and conference attendance, often taking them to regional meetings. Dr. Hallford is widely credited with starting the Red River Undergraduate Psychology Conference now in its 36th year. The conference has provided opportunities for hundreds of students to present their scholarly work.
He was born in Alabama to Homer and Mona (Shelley) Hallford and lived his childhood there. He graduated from the University of Alabama and Ohio State University. He taught in elementary schools in Louisiana. He then taught Psychology at Moorhead (MN) State University until retiring in 2010. In retirement he lived on a farm near Royal. He was an avid gardener, reader, and crossword solvera Dr. Hallford was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Martha Jane (Lamar) Gorham and their daughter Mona Jo, Lloyd Hallford (Frances Huggins),Carmie (William) Thompson, and Rebecca Hallford. He is survived by his sister Gale (Eric) Frame of Roanoke, Virginia, and his lifelong family friend John Lamb of rural Spencer, Iowa. He was also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and many friends that loved himu Willie was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.