Faculty Obituaries
Embry-Riddle Mourns Loss of Dr. Norval Pohl
Written by William G. Thompson, Director of External Relations
Prescott, Ariz., May 13, 2009 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is sad to announce the passing of Dr. Norval Pohl, age 65, after a courageous battle with cancer. Norval passed away in his sleep surrounded by his family at his home in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
“He fought his illness with great valor and showed a love of life in all he did. We all admired Norval's attempt to return to his profession and the University that he was so committed to during his illness. He was our friend – and we will miss him dearly. His values and commitment to Embry-Riddle will not be forgotten. His effect on and love of his family is immeasurable,” stated Dr. John P. Johnson, President of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Dr. Pohl joined Embry-Riddle in July 2007 after serving as President for six years and Provost for two years at the University of North Texas (UNT). At Embry-Riddle, Pohl served as Chancellor during his first year and then as Chief Academic Officer.
“Dr. Pohl brought a tremendous energy and excitement concerning student success and was a great asset for the campus. His love of Prescott and the Southwest goes back to his teaching days at Yavapai Community College. Norval was highly respected, everyone on campus enjoyed working with him and he is a loss to our students, faculty, staff, and community,” stated Dan Carrell, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President for the Prescott Campus.
Dr. Pohl’s prestigious career in higher education included several professorships, the former Deanships of the Colleges of Business at Northern Arizona University, [emphasis added] and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV). He held Vice Presidency of Administrative and Financial Affairs at UNLV, and Presidency of the University of North Texas.
As a compliment to his academic career, Pohl served on the Board of Directors of many businesses and nonprofits. His most cherished Directorship was that of American Pacific Corporation, a public company listed on the NASDAQ exchange, with whom he served for some 23 years.
Norval Pohl is survived by his wife, best friend, and partner of 38 years, Dr. Barbikay Bissell Pohl, a retired professor and current Montessori teacher; his sons Prescott, an attorney; and Chandler, a filmmaker and professor; his grandson Tennessee Norval; his older brother and childhood hero Martin, founder and former president of a nut processing facility; his half-brother Loren, a retired accountant; and two beloved German Shepherds.
In lieu of flowers or cards, the family is requesting donations to help establish a memorial scholarship fund at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Contributions for the Dr. Norval Pohl Memorial Scholarship may be mailed to: Office of Development, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 3700 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Checks should be made out to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and note ‘Pohl Memorial Scholarship’ on the memo line. For additional information, contact Steve Bobinsky, Director of Development (928) 777-4210.
Larry V. Taylor
The Daily Sun
February 03, 2009
63, of Scottsdale, Arizona, born in Phoenix, Arizona found peace on January 31, 2009. Larry was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He attended NAU, graduating Beta Alpha Psi, was honored by The Wall Street Journal as the top business student in his class and was elected President of the Northern Arizona University Alumni Association after his graduation. Larry went on to start a very successful Certified Public Accounting practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a parishioner at Saint Patrick's Catholic Community in Scottsdale, Larry gave much of his time, love and energy to the Building Committee for the new Parish. He was also involved there in the creation and implementation of Caring Place, a senior assistance program.
Larry was also involved in supporting life-care facilities throughout the valley including his time on the finance committee for Westminster Village in Scottsdale. Larry has a strong supporting family who will miss him very much. His wife, Nancy, his sons, Jeffrey Taylor (Mayu), Andrew Taylor (Julie), Raymond Blaylock (Wendy), Duane Blaylock, Danny Blaylock, and his daughter Debra DeBaggis (Nick). He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Brooke, Ryan, Nicholas, Alisha, Brittney, Dana, Steven, Jake, Danny, Brandon and Louie. In lieu of flowers, Larry's family requests that donations be made to Westminster Village Foundation.
Larry had been a president of the NAU Alumni Association and had served on the Accounting Advisory Council.
