It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Mark Kellar, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice in UHD's College of Public Service, on Sunday, July 26 after a long illness.

Dr. Kellar received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Houston, a master's degree in vocational counseling from Sam Houston State University, and a doctorate in interdisciplinary education from Texas A&M University. Following three years as a counselor for the Texas Department of Corrections, a 20-year career as a major with the Harris County Sheriff's Department, and 10 years consulting for the corrections system under the framework of the National Institute of Corrections, Dr. Kellar joined UHD's criminal justice faculty first as an adjunct, and then as an assistant professor in September 2000.

His dedication to teaching is evidenced by a statement he wrote, "I am especially appreciative of the opportunity to interact in a classroom setting with many of the criminal justice students. This is a diverse group composed of individuals from varying cultural backgrounds at different professional and pre-professional levels. They are, almost without exception, challenging, enthusiastic, bright and dedicated to quality education. I can think of no greater professional pursuit than to work with this fine group."

Sondra Kellar, wife of Dr. Kellar and a lecturer in accounting at UHD, shared that "Mark loved teaching and working at the University of Houston-Downtown, and the people here."

John Matthews, an associate of Dr. Kellar previously wrote, "Dr. Kellar is one of the most eclectically knowledgeable people I have ever met. More importantly, he has the rare ability to bring a variety of information to bear on a focal subject in such a way as to allow listeners to truly gain insight and understanding of that subject."

A number of students and faculty traveled abroad with Dr. Kellar and Sondra Kellar. They, like the students in his classes at UHD and the faculty who served with him, had the opportunity to gain insight and understanding through their interactions with Dr. Kellar.

The memorial service will be held Monday, August 3 at 2 p.m., with visitation at 1 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home, located at 1400 West Main, Tomball, Texas. An honor guard from the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the United States Marine Corps will be on hand as a tribute to Dr. Kellar's memory.

Memorials can be sent to Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary (courtesy of Dr. Gerald Kellar, founder) at BMATS.edu, or at P.O. Box 670, 1530 E. Pine Street, Jacksonville, Texas 75766.

We are grateful that Dr. Mark Kellar chose UHD as his professional home for the last 15 years of his impactful career. He will be greatly missed and well-remembered by all.

You can view his obituary in the Houston Chronicle.