Donald Brown Haskins

Donald Brown Haskins
WINGATE -- Dr. Haskins, emeritus professor of Law at Wingate University and son of the late C. B. and Beadie Haskins of Greensboro, died on Saturday, May 28, in Union Regional Medical Center in Monroe. He was born on June 25, 1934 in Guilford County, and was a graduate of Guilford College and Wake Forest University School of Law, and a member of the North Carolina Bar. He served in the North Carolina National Guard and advanced to the rank of Sergeant.
Dr. Haskins began his 45 year tenure at Wingate Junior College/Wingate College/Wingate University in the fall of 1960. He began his career as professor of Business and Economics, and through the years created one of the most popular courses in the curriculum, Business Law 101, which he taught continuously until 2004. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Haskins became the Dean of Men, then Dean of Students, Vice-President for Student Affairs, and before administrative retirement, he was named Senior Vice-President for Student Development. These titles and his meaningful relationships with countless students led to his affectionate title of 'Dean-O'. For many years, one of the highlights of graduation was 'Dean-O' singing his rendition of 'Precious Memories' at the rehearsal.
Beyond his official responsibilities as teacher and administrator, Dr. Haskins left his mark on the total campus community with his enthusiastic and generous support of many facets of the university. Always an avid Bulldog fan, he established an award in memory of his parents to honor the highest academic achievement of scholar athletes. He was a lifetime member of the President's Council, the Bulldog Club, and the Friends of the Library. He gave one of the annual Founder's Day Addresses and was the honoree for a Homecoming Roast. In recognition and appreciation of his contributions, Dr. Haskins was made an Honorary Alumnus of Wingate University, and presented with the Order of the Seal for his many years of service. An area of the Ethel K. Smith Library is designated the Haskins Reading Room; the street that circles the baseball field is Haskins Drive; and the Jefferson Residential Complex includes Haskins Hall.
For many years, Dr. Haskins retained his membership in the Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, frequently returning to teach the Men's Bible Class during his father's lifetime. In recent years, he became a member of the Wingate Baptist Church.
Dr. Haskins is survived by a brother, Harold Haskins of Greensboro; a nephew, Butch Haskins of Greensboro; and a niece, Donna Dancausse of Willow Springs, NC. He is remembered by countless students who have benefited from his spiritual and financial support throughout the years.
Memorial services will be on Wednesday, June 1, at 10:30 AM in Hanna McGee Auditorium, Batte Center on the Wingate University Campus. Burial will be at 3:30 PM at Guilford Memorial Park in Greensboro.
Memorials may be made to the Donald B. Haskins Scholarship Fund at Wingate University Development Office, Wingate, NC 28174.
McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is serving the family of Dr. Haskins.