It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr. Billie Grace Herring’s passing on August 31st, 2019 at the age of 86.
Billie Grace, Professor Emerita, specialized in children's libraries and youth services during her twenty-eight year career as a faculty member in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at UT Austin. During her career at the school, Billie Grace served as Assistant to the Dean (1969 –1971), Professor (1974 –1996), Program Director for Learning Resources Certification (1978 –1996), Associate Dean (1983 –1991), Graduate Advisor (1983 –1987), Minority Affairs Officer (1983 –1989), and Chairwoman of the Graduate Studies Committee (1992 –1996).
Billie Grace authored one book, twenty-three professional articles and book chapters, and contributed to numerous professional publications. She was selected three times by School of Information students for the prestigious Ex-Students Association Award for Teaching Excellence. Students remember her as a caring, involved, and supportive mentor who took the time to get to know them as people first and students second.
When she retired in 1996, the Texas School of Information established a scholarship in her name. The Billie Grace Herring Scholarship, established in 1997, is awarded to iSchool students who express a professional interest in the areas of children and youth librarianship or to meritorious Texas iSchool students in need of financial assistance. The scholarship serves as an enduring reminder of Billie Grace's numerous contributions to our school and of her advocacy for children's librarianship and youth services.
A memorial service was held on September 8, 2019 at 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Austin. Her family has asked that contributions be made to the Billie Grace Herring Endowed Scholarship, School of Information, The University of Texas at Austin, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas, 78701. For more information about the scholarship fund, call 512-471-3821. To contribute, please visit the iSchool giving page and select the Billie Grace Herring Endowed Scholarship in the box labeled "Area of Greatest Need." All gifts are warmly welcomed.
Dr. Billie Grace Herring will be remembered by former students, alumni, and colleagues for her special consideration, warmth, and understanding that she brought to everyone at the School of Information. She was an inspiring and influential teacher, coach, and leader who touched the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be missed dearly.
Read the UT Austin General Faculty memorial resolution honoring the academic achievements, pedagogical accomplishments, and life of Dr. Billie Grace Herring.