Douglas Hamman

Douglas David Hamman, beloved brother, husband, father and grandfather passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023. He was 61. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 12 at Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designers, 6025 82nd St, Lubbock, Texas 79424. Please visit this page for a broadcasting schedule, floral purchasing, and an area to share stories of Mr. Hamman with his family.

Doug had a unique skill for balancing drive and determination with positivity and compassion for everyone he encountered. This made him a beloved friend and colleague as well as an inspiring mentor. He was known as a visionary in the field of education, impacting teacher preparation in the state of Texas and across the nation, with a particular focus on rural and underserved schools.

Doug could often be found speed walking the halls of the Texas Tech College of Education, always on a mission, and often wearing his signature fashion look, a bowtie. Within the College of Education, he wore many hats – as chair, interim associate dean, Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Professor in Professional Education, and resident practical joker. When not thinking of the next big thing in teacher education, Doug could be found at his home, sitting in his rocking chair with a glass of whiskey, typing up the next meeting agenda.

Doug Hamman was born January 20, 1962 in Decatur, Illinois. At a young age, he decided he wanted to do something big with his life. That ambition drove him to pursue a doctorate of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2002 and ultimately teamed with Scott Ridley, dean of the College of Education from 2011 to 2018, to radically rethink the way Texas Tech prepares teachers and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality educator. Their trailblazing work now serves as a blueprint for university-based teacher preparation programs around the state and nation.

His faith in his colleagues and the future generations was unwavering. The only thing that surpassed Doug’s commitment and passion for bettering education was his love for his family. He often called his children to leave funny voicemails, including the day of the week and time of his call, as if it weren’t prominently displayed on their phones. Doug and his wife Fanni traveled regularly in their pursuit to drive education forward in the state of Texas. On their travels, they always made time to stop at local museums. Thanksgiving was Doug’s favorite holiday, and he was always happy to prepare his famous bowl of chili for everyone.

His presence will be missed greatly, but we are all the better for the time we shared.

Doug is survived by his wife, Fanni Coward; brothers Phillip, Tom and Ricky; children Kelsey, Aidan, Kelan, Nathaniel, Adrian, Jordanne and Alyssa; and grandchildren Lily, Elias and Camille.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Guadalupe-Parkway Sommerville Centers in Lubbock.

A fund has also been established at Texas Tech University in Doug’s honor. Gifts will go toward continuing his work and honoring his legacy and can be made at www.give.ttu.edu/hamman.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 12 at Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designers, 6025 82nd St, Lubbock, Texas 79424.

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