Douglas Preston Field, Ph.D. (1952-2001)
The following text is from remarks made at Doug's memorial service by Sigrid Glenn, Chair of the Department of Behavior Analysis:
Doug has a special place in the hearts of behavior analysis faculty and in the history of our department because he was a member of the first cohort of students to enter UNT’s master’s degree program in behavior analysis. He was also in the first graduating class to be awarded the degree of Master of Science in Behavior Analysis. But Doug was first in many ways. First behavior analysis major to be awarded the Donald L. Whaley scholarship, first major named as Outstanding Graduate Student in Behavior Analysis, first to bring computer programming skills and knowledge of the internet to the department, and one of the first to return to UNT as Outstanding Alumnus of the department on Honors Day in 1998. Greg Madden, one of Doug’s colleagues in that first cohort, wrote this about him:
Doug brought an energy to research that, in my experience, is unrivaled. He devoured new materials and inspired me to new levels of scholarship. He challenged us all to think in new ways about old topics. As I struggled through a computer programming class that was critical to my success as an experimentalist, Doug was always there to help, but let me make advances on my own when he knew it was within my ability. When I program new projects today, I frequently think of Doug. The things he showed me continue to shape not only my programs, but the way I think about the data. Doug was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.
Doug went on to obtain his doctorate under Philip Hineline of Temple University, a mentor who was perfectly matched to Doug’s searching intellect, his commitment to his chosen field, and his ability to work long and hard. Here are Phil Hineline's words about Doug:
It’s hard to realize that Doug is gone
For his work and words are still with me
In phrases and paragraphs that he and I
Crafted together.
His thinking, his wit, his appreciation
Of the dilemmas of the human condition
Will continue to be woven into the lives
Of those who worked and studied with him
Here in Philadelphia.
While at Temple, Doug proved to be an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher. He sent one of his undergraduate protégés, Kathleen Bailey, to continue her studies with us at UNT. Recently graduated, Kathleen tells of the important role Doug played in her life:
As an undergraduate at Temple University, many people touched my life in positive ways but Doug Field was special -- one of the kindest, most accepting human beings I have known. Doug encouraged me to pursue graduate training and advocated my continuing my education at UNT. Thus, the direction my life is very much due to him.
All of us…teachers, colleagues, friends, and students will miss Doug. We are pleased to have been among those whose lives he touched.
by
Jan Field Lanza
Sister of Doug Field Near a shady wall by an old oak tree
A rose once bloomed, wild and free.
Watered and fed by morning’s dew
The rose shed sweetness as it grew.
Maturing and blossoming fair and tall
It came to a crevice in the wall
From which there shone a beam of light
Never-ending in day or night.
The rose did sometimes twist and bend;
It pulled away and fought the wind.
But Heaven’s Love did beacon bright
And the rose returned to seek the Light.
Onward it crept with vigorous strength
Towards the Light at crevice’s length.
Though sometimes doubting in fear and pride
The rose unfolded on the other side.
By the old oak tree the rose is gone
But I believe it still lives on
Still scattering fragrance far and wide.
The rose still grows on the other side.
By Vickie Ford at Doug Field’s Memorial Service
I met Doug over 12 years ago. Our relationship over the years looked a bit like “You say tomayto, I say tomahto”. Whatever our relationship appeared to be, here are some of the things Doug taught me:
How to be bold
How to be fearless
How to love
How to honor oneself and others and not out of obligation or institution
I’m still working on that “obey” thing.
The last 5 months of Doug’s life were a gift to me.
To Doug:
I Hope You Dance by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers
If you’re ever lying on a beach with
80 billion grains of sand
beneath you,
700 thousand ocean waves
before you,
60 million stars stretched
out above you,
and you’re still not at
all impressed,
I want you to think about
this:
The light you see reflecting
from the stars is over one million years old.
WOW.
But then, just before you start to feel like a mere blip
In the gigantic scheme of
things, please remember this:
Yes, you are small, but
you’re also irreplaceable
And invaluable
And miraculous.
Those stars don’t have anything on you, babe.