Reinhardt University sadly conveys the loss of one of Reinhardt’s most beloved and consequential leaders, Dr. Floyd Falany, who passed away on Monday, May 26th, at the age of 89. Dr. Falany served as the 17th president of Reinhardt from 1984 until his retirement in 1999. Prior, he served as Executive Vice President and Dean of the College from 1982-84 and Academic Dean and Professor of Behavioral Science from 1973-84.
Dr. Falany was known far and wide for his unyielding enthusiasm for the University along with its students, faculty, and staff. He traveled through Georgia spreading inspirational words and sage wisdom, which sparked multitudes of alumni, friends, and strangers to champion Reinhardt’s efforts. The enormous impact is deeply felt today. Through his visionary leadership, zeal for education, a hearty sense of humor, and unwavering faith, Dr. Falany’s contributions were far-reaching.
Milestones:
From constructing facilities, securing endowments, and building academic and athletic programs to engaging some of the best-known and most successful philanthropists, business leaders, and politicians, Dr. Falany was peripatetic on a mission to serve the University and a greater good. A few of the many achievements under his watch:
1984 – The Gordy Center was dedicated.
1987 – Hagan Chapel, the religious home for Reinhardt and the Waleska United Methodist Church, opened.
1989 – Gordy Hall welcomed a record number of students.
1991 – Gordy Hospitality House moved to Waleska.
1993 – Lawson Academic Center opened.
1994 – The first bachelor’s degree in business was awarded.
1997 – Baccalaureate programs in biology, communication, and liberal studies were added.
1998 – William W. Fincher, Jr. and Eunice L. Fincher Visual Arts Center opened.
1998 – John H. Bennett, Sr. and Ethel C. Bennett History Museum was built.
Also, many donors contributed to the Floyd Falany Scholarship Endowment and the Floyd A. and Fay W. Falany Performing Arts Center, named in his honor.
A few remembrances:
Dr. Falany’s warmth and personality touched every person he met. Countless letters in the archives convey his heartfelt gratitude to donors, and on more than one occasion, words of hope to students telling them not to give up on obtaining their education; Reinhardt would help them.
Phil Landrum, Chair, Reinhardt University Board of Trustees: “A very true, very simple characterization is that he was the soul of the institution. He was the institution, and I don’t think anyone would disagree with that. I’ve probably known him for 50 years. He was dynamic and larger than life. The identity that he stamped on that campus is equal to none. It’s certainly been a wonderful legacy for folks after him, like me, to have to benefit from.”
Jo Ellen Bell Wilson (RU-1961), Emerita Vice President of Advancement, and member of the Board of Trustees: “Dr. Falany was my mentor, as he was to almost everyone who worked with him. He was Dean of Students when I came to work at Reinhardt as Alumni Director. I will always remember how he encouraged me to not just work in the confines of the campus but to reach outside academe to invite others to become ‘friends of Reinhardt’. I fondly recall that he treated everyone the same. Whether in a prominent Board Meeting, taking students to his Florida beach house, greeting neighbors at his farm – he made us all feel important. I respected him as my boss, I appreciated him as my advisor, and I loved him as my friend. I will miss him very, very much.”
John Bennett (RU-1965), member of the Board of Trustees: “Dr. Falany was a close personal friend of mine. As well as being such a tremendous asset to Reinhardt, he is just a super nice guy. He had the ability to connect with people, with ordinary people. He was loved by the faculty and the staff at Reinhardt. He was loved by the community. He was a friend to everybody who knew him. Everybody loved his stories. He had hundreds of stories, and he was always funny. He could bring levity anytime he was speaking.
When the Falany family came to Reinhardt, our children and their children were in elementary school together. We went to a PTA meeting, Floyd and Faye were there, and we just became great personal friends. It’s just like losing part of the family. His legacy will live on for a very long time.”
Mark A. Roberts, Reinhardt University President: “When I was appointed by the Trustees to serve as president of Reinhardt University, Dr. Falany was among the first to congratulate me and encourage my leadership. I was humbled. I knew Dr. Falany was the president who created the solid foundation upon which Reinhardt now exists. It is now up to us— all of us— to carry on his legacy of serving students one person at a time. To all who are members of the Reinhardt family: Let us together honor Dr. Falany and his legacy. Thank you, Dr. Falany, for changing our lives.”
As attested here, Dr. Falany’s magnanimous nature– big-hearted, courageous, and story-laden– is forever intertwined with Reinhardt and the students, faculty, staff, friends, and donors who had the blessing to know his smile and his laugh. As the image with students (shown above) illustrates, Dr. Falany was focused on creating a college environment, in terms of people and buildings, that served the interests of students.
In Dr. Falany’s own words,
“We owe our success to the fine people, the faculty and staff, the volunteers, and the donors, who chose to believe in and work for Reinhardt. And we can’t forget the impact of our students and our alumni. At Reinhardt, we try to teach that how you live your life is as important as what you do for a living. This emphasis on more than just books is what causes countless alumni to come back and say, ‘Reinhardt College changed my life.’ That’s what we are all about.”
His obituary can be found HERE. It also includes a space to write remembrances and tributes.
