09/03/2026
On Monday morning of this week, we learned of the passing of our colleague, mentor, friend, supporter, encourager, leader, and so much more, Dr. Beckie Oldroyd Weaver.
Dr. Weaver served Harding University for 37 years as a faculty member, Department Chair, and Dean of the College of Allied Health. Her influence on the University and on the field of communication sciences and disorders was profound. She was instrumental in establishing our graduate program in speech-language pathology, launching our HIZ-Path program in Zambia, and building the reputation of Harding University’s undergraduate and graduate students within the field.
Her dedication and outstanding contributions to speech-language pathology were recognized through numerous honors, including her selection as a recipient of the Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Career Award from the Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association and as a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Most of all, however, Dr. Weaver was a relentless advocate and encourager of students and colleagues. Her gift for wit, wisdom, and hospitality was renowned literally around the world, as the many stories shared this past week have so beautifully attested. Beckie had a remarkable ability to draw people together through her kindness, her smile that seemed to take up her entire face, and her joyful laughter.
Her legacy will be seen and felt for generations to come, and we are deeply grateful for the countless ways she invested in the lives of others. While we will miss her presence here immensely, the impact of her life, work, and love for others will remain with us.
Beckie signed her Harding University email with these words:
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
She lived those words.
