Together with our ASERVIC community we grieve the loss of Dr. Richard E. Watts. Richard was an amazing Christian, Counselor Educator, Adlerian, musician, and friend. His positive influence on counselor education, students, colleagues, and our collective community was significant and he will be dearly missed.
Richard served ASERVIC for many years, in countless roles both in official positions and behind the scenes without public witness. He served as President and as Editor of Counseling and Values: Spirituality, Ethics, and Religion in Counseling. He was a contributor to the ASERVIC Spiritual and Religious Competencies. Richard was a devoted supporter of the mission of ASERVIC. Members will always remember his presence at our gatherings and events for his sincere care for other people, his scholarship, and his ability to always make us laugh when we needed to.
Richard devoted his life to education. His undergraduate degree was from Sam Houston State University. He then served as Minister of Music and Education at North Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. While living in McKinney he received a master’s degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary and a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas. He taught at Texas A&M Commerce, Kent State University, Baylor University and Sam Houston State University. Richard retired from Sam Houston State University in 2021. Over the years, he made many contributions to his professional career.
Even in death, Richard’s contribution to education was important, as his body has been donated to the UT McGovern Medical School. There will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Richard E Watts Research Award at Adler University in Chicago to honor his commitment to Adlerian theory and counseling.
To donate online:
Visit Adler University Donations page. Under ”Area of Support” select Richard E. Watts Adlerian Research Award.
We hold his family and loved ones close in heart, thought, and prayer during this time.
