Sherman, Texas — Austin College President Emeritus Dr. Oscar C. Page passed away peacefully Saturday morning, November 23, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, Anna Laura, and his family. Dr. Page, who had faced health challenges this fall, leaves behind a profound legacy as a leader, mentor, and cherished member of the Austin College community.
A celebration of Dr. Page’s life will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Austin College in Wynne Chapel.
Dr. Page served as the 14th President of Austin College, from 1994 to 2009, a tenure distinguished by his unwavering dedication to students, faculty, staff, and trustees. His visionary leadership and personal warmth shaped the experiences of countless members of ’RooNation and strengthened the College’s foundation for future generations. Even in retirement, Dr. Page remained deeply engaged with the College, mentoring leaders and steadfastly supporting its mission.
“Dr. Page has cast a long shadow, and there’s no doubt that his presence will continue to be felt for generations to come,” said Austin College President Steven P. O’Day.
During his career as an educator, Dr. Page was instrumental in initiating leadership programs that cultivated future leaders. These programs emphasized an education centered on service, community involvement, global perspectives, and an understanding of personal responsibility.
He consistently sought opportunities to foster conversations between influential thinkers and students. Among the remarkable individuals Dr. Page brought to Austin College to were President George W. Bush, President George H. W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Dr. Paul Farmer, General Colin Powell, Maya Angelou, Alex Haley, Madeleine Albright, Cokie Roberts, Henry Winkler, Dick Cheney, Don Henley, Robert Ballard, James Baker, and Oscar Arias, the Nobel Prize-winning former president of Costa Rica.
Dr. Page’s legacy of compassion, integrity, and leadership resonates deeply with all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar H. Page and Elizabeth Dearing Page; his sister, Betty Puckett; and his nephew, John Stinson. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 60 years, Anna Laura Hood Page; his daughter, Kristen Page (husband Rick, granddaughter Wren); his son, Matthew Page (wife Amy, granddaughter Cailin); his sister, Romona Stinson; and his nieces and nephew: Beth, Melissa, Autumn, Lori, Lynne, and Blake. The family obituary is available online at Dannel Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends making a gift to the Austin College fund created in memory of Dr. Page (if making a gift online, please select “Other” designation and specify “Dr. Oscar C. Page Memorial Fund.”)
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
