On
Wednesday June 13, 2007, our admired friend and colleague, Dr. Ronald
"Doc" Hyatt, passed away peacefully at his home in Chapel Hill.
Dr. Hyatt,
professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, served our
great University with distinction for over 40 years. A native of Latta,
S. C., Dr. Hyatt earned degrees from Furman University (BS), and
UNC-Chapel Hill (MA and PhD). Prior to coming to Chapel Hill, he coached,
taught and directed intramural programs at the high school and collegiate
levels in both South Carolina and North Carolina. Dr. Hyatt became the
director of intramural sports and an assistant professor of physical
education at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1966, and began touching the lives of
thousands of Carolina students. Students who visit our department often
ask, “How is Doc Hyatt; is he OT-OT (“On time and on target”)?” OT-OT is
only one of many life lessons Dr. Hyatt taught his students over the
years. His influence has not been confined to the UNC-Chapel Hill
campus. As a 41 year member of the North Carolina National Guard,
retiring with the rank of Full Colonel, he is described by many as the
most outstanding instructor the North Carolina Military Academy has ever
employed.
EXSS department chairman,
Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, was able to have one more visit with Dr. Hyatt
before his passing. Recalling this visit, Dr. Guskiewicz says: “When I
mentioned that I had read one of his poems at graduation a few weeks ago,
his smile widened and he said ‘that’s one of my favorites.’ ” Of this
poem, Dr. Guskiewicz comments: “Anyone who loves Carolina like Ron loved
Carolina will know exactly what he meant by writing this.”
We
will share Dr. Hyatt’s poem with everyone. Our love goes out to the
family. “Doc” Hyatt shall be missed, but he will always remain in our
memories.
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UNC: The Land That Soothes My Soul
This is the land
that soothes my soul,
the land up on the hill.
Whenever, I come and remember,
be it a high or a low day,
this is the land that soothes me
and ups my hopes when I am down
and gently lands me
whenever I be too high.
It may be the collective calmness,
the shade of mighty trees,
the serene silence of mother nature,
the essence of being, present and past,
of the many who have helped me,
or my sacred sanctuary
or it may be memory’s tricks.
Whatever the cause
this is the landscape
that soothes my soul.
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**** Dr.
Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship****
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