Farrell J. Webb, Ph.D., recently passed away. He was an NCFR member for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Webb had an expansive and unique academic career, which include bachelor’s degrees in sociology and political science with an emphasis in public administration, and communication arts with an emphasis in film and television production from Loyola Marymount University. He earned a master’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in social psychology from California State University, Long Beach, an MPhil in sociology with an emphasis in statistics from New York University, and finally his doctorate in family social science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He also completed post-doctoral training in ethnography, geostatistics (GIS), spatial demography, and epidemiology at Pennsylvania State University, and earned academic certificates in hierarchical linear modeling and advanced structural equation modeling from the University of Texas at Austin.

His academic background came around full circle as he was later taught courses in basic and advanced statistics, statistical programming, advanced research methods, GIS, and a myriad of sociology courses.

Dr. Webb’s professional tenure was rather expansive as well. His professorship included City University of New York (CUNY), Bloomfield College, New York University, Kansas State University, and Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining the University of the Incarnate Word as vice president for academic affairs & provost, he was dean and professor in the College of Health and Human Development at California State University, Northridge.

He was the 2019 recipient of the NCFR Marie F. Peters Award, which recognizes distinguished scholars, researchers, and practitioners who have made significant contributions to the area of ethnic minority families. He also received several awards including five distinct awards for teaching, mentoring, and his service to students. He was previously California State Scholar, California State Fellow, and University of Minnesota, Waller Fellow. He served on more than 75 master’s theses and over 25 dissertation committees.

Dr. Webb was a distinguished speaker and illustrious professor. He was a prolific author, published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in professional journals, numerous book chapters and book reviews, as well as presenting his research at both the national and international levels. He was PI and co-PI on several grant-funded projects—he has garnered more than $7 million dollars in his personal grant portfolio as PI and has participated in at least $20 million dollars of funded research activity in other roles.

His membership to NCFR included chair, and secretary/treasurer of the Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Families Section, associate editor of Journal of Marriage and Family, reviewer for Family Relations, as well as presenting severally at NCFR annual conferences.

A memorial service was held for Dr. Webb at the University of Incarnate Word. Here is the video of that service.

Dr. Webb recorded this video in 2010 speaking about how being part of "the NCFR family" made a significant impact throughout his career.

If you learn of an NCFR member who has passed away, please contact NCFR Membership.