In memorium: David E. Hutchins, professor emeritus of education

8 Nov 2010

David E. Hutchins of Blacksburg, Va., professor emeritus in the School of Education in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, died Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010.

An award-winning teacher and professor at Virginia Tech for 31 years in the Counselor Education Program, Hutchins served for eight years on the Virginia Board of Professional Counselors (appointed by Governors Gerald Baliles, Chuck Robb, and Douglas Wilder) and was chair for two years.

Hutchins was one of two full-time professors who started graduate programs in counselor education and college student affairs. He received awards for leadership and was recognized by his alma mater, Ohio University, for his contributions to the counseling profession. Hutchins also taught at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for five years.

In the spring of 1994 at the suggestion of a department secretary, Hutchins began taking evening painting classes. Over an eight-year period of weekly classes, supplemented with weeklong workshops with nationally noted artists, Hutchins noted at an alumni exhibition that “painting became an increasing source of personal pleasure.” Since retirement in 2002, Hutchins has been a serious and passionate student of art and has painted landscapes and flowers, viewing nature as his primary focus.

Hutchins’ original paintings are now in private collections throughout the United States. In 2005, his “Fall on the New River,” was selected and hung in all 147 new guest rooms at The Inn at Virginia Tech. A painting titled Chateau Morrisette was reproduced in limited edition museum quality giclees to help initiate the 25th Anniversary of Chateau Morrisette. The largest painting by Hutchins (4 x 5.5 feet) was commissioned for the board room of the Holtzman Alumni Center at Virginia Tech.

Born on Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940, in Algona, Iowa, Hutchins is described as “son, spouse, father, friend, teacher, researcher, life-long learner, artist, and lover of nature and life.” He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Mark and Jon; and grandson, Isaiah.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Wings Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, P.O. Box 6009, Christiansburg, Va., 24068 or to the Capital Campaign Fund of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 144, Blacksburg, Va., 24062. A memorial service will be held at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a reception and time to visit with the family. Arrangements are by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.

Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact: