Glen Irving Earthman, associate professor emeritus of educational leadership at Virginia Tech, passed away on March 26.

Earthman, who was born on Aug. 13, 1927, was a professor for 46 years at Virginia Tech, where he taught educational leadership and planning and advised doctoral students. He chaired more than 80 doctoral dissertations for students during his tenure.

He also was recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in the areas of school building condition and student and teacher attitudes and performance. His research was cited in journals and by professional outlets. In 2015, he was named Researcher of the Year by the Virginia Educational Research Association for outstanding research efforts in Virginia.

Prior to Virginia Tech, Earthman was executive director for school planning in Philadelphia Public Schools for almost a decade. He also was an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota and a teacher and elementary school principal in Denver.

After graduating from South Denver High School in 1945, Earthman joined the United States Merchant Marines and the U.S. Naval Reserve. He received a bachelor’s degree in history and English and a master’s degree in English and education from the University of Denver.

In 1964, he received his doctorate of education in educational administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

In addition to his career, Earthman was an accomplished pianist and organist, and he substituted for organists in churches in the Blacksburg area. He also was an active member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church and Christ Episcopal Church in Blacksburg. During his 50-year membership, he held different church offices.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Gilbertson Earthman; his children, Erik Earthman and his wife Carrie Earthman; Andrew Earthman and his wife Vickie Earthman; Catherine Reinhardt, Douglas Mackall, and Suni Mackall.  He is also survived by his grandchildren -  Sorrell Perka, Mimi Perka, Gunder Perka, Bronwyn Earthman, and Gillian Earthman, along with nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Arlene Fletcher, Lucille Lehrer, LaVerne Turner, and daughter Barbara Sieloff.

A funeral service will be held at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Blacksburg at noon on March 30. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Read Earthman's full obituary.