Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion Omri Kenneth Webb, Jr., (February 25, 1926-) was born in Greymont, Georgia. He attended Wofford College (SC) from 1943- 44 and The Citadel (SC) from which he was graduated with a B.A. degree in English in 1948. From 1948 to 1952, he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (KY), receiving a B.D. degree and in 1964, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from Duke University, NC. Dr. Webb decided to change career plans while in seminary, switching from pastoral goals to teaching religion. He taught philosophy at Furman University (SC) from 1955-62. He began teaching philosophy and religion at Appalachian State University in 1962, the first year those courses were offered at Appalachian. He was tenured in 1964. From 1965-1970 he was Dean of Student Affairs; concurrently, he was Chairman of the Department of Philosophy and Religion (1965-67) and was appointed Dean of the General College (1968-91). Several new programs were developed or significant changes made in already existing services under his leadership, including Freshman and Sophomore Academic Advising; Freshman and Transfer Orientation; Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, including Watauga College; Women's Studies; Learning Assistance Program; Office of International Studies; University Honors Program; Freshman Seminar; Admissions Partnership Program (a time-shortened degree program); National Center for Developmental Education (including the Kellogg Institute and the Journal of Developmental Education)-, Earth Studies Program; and the Office of Outdoor Programs. In addition, Dr. Webb chaired the Core Curriculum Committee in the first three critical years of its existence, 1989-92. Dr. Webb's professional affiliations included the American Personnel and Guidance Association, American College Personnel Association, Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology, and the American Association for Higher Education. In 1989, the Learning Assistance Program, an outgrowth of the General College which was established to provide assistance to economically and educationally disadvantaged students, received the John Champaigne Memorial Award for an Exemplary Developmental Education Program by the National Association of Developmental Educators. In 1991, Dr. Webb was named as one of the nation's Outstanding Freshman Advocates by the Conference on the Freshman Year Experience. The Academic Advising Program, one of the many functions of the Office of Student Affairs, received the Certificate of Merit from the Selection Committee of the American College Testing Program/National Academic Advisors Association's National Recognition Program in 1992. Although Ken Webb retired from Appalachian in January 1994 (with the rank of professor emeritus), he continues to enjoy the satisfaction of being part of the learning process by teaching in the department of philosophy and religion. He also finds time to enjoy his hobbies—reading and watching old movies. He and his wife, Betty, have four children: O.K. Webb, in (1947-), Walter Webb (1949-), Kirk Webb (1966-), and Susan Webb (1970-). Visiting with the children and grandchildren is an important and enjoyable part of his life. The Webbs reside in Boone, NC. Source: Appalachian State University files and long association. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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