Linda J. Bufkin, Ph.D.: 1949-2020
Maggie Rotermund
Senior Media Relations Specialist
maggie.rotermund@slu.edu
314-977-8018
Reserved for members of the media.
09/01/2020
Linda J. Bufkin, Ph.D., an associate professor emerita in the School of Education, died Aug. 20, 2020. She was 71.
Dr. Bufkin was born on Aug. 1, 1949, at Fort Benning, Georgia to James and Irene Welden. She graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a B.A. in Special Education and later earned her Ph.D. there.
Joy Voss, Ph.D., an assistant professor in special education, said her mantra in life has been “when I grow up, I want to be Linda Bufkin!”
“Linda was my mentor, my colleague and my friend. Our journey was long and memorable,” Voss said. “It started in the 80s at Mizzou (I was an undergraduate, she was a Ph.D. student), our practicum together at Fontbonne and finally, she talked me into coming to SLU. There were many laughs, good stories, and most of all her calm voice of reassurance throughout my life.”
Dr. Bufkin joined Saint Louis University in 1990 and retired in 2014. She was granted emerita status in 2015.
“The things I remember most about Linda Bufkin are her quiet leadership, her selflessness, her incredible wit, and her friendship,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., an instructional developer in the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. “While Linda held many leadership roles at the department, school and university levels, she never wanted to be the center of attention and always provided opportunities for others to shine. She was gracious, never expecting and rarely accepting the accolades she deserved. Instead, Linda highlighted the work of others.”
Cole and colleague Ann Rule, Ph.D., an associate professor emerita in Educational Studies, both remember Bufkin’s mentorship.
“Early Childhood students, in particular, sought her mentorship and advice. She always took time to work with them and was “there” for them in any crisis they experienced,” Rule said. “Not only was she a great teacher, but she created a community of friends. Her work in schools is particularly notable as she led our professional development school experiences, first at Wyman Elementary School and then at Hodgen Elementary School. Her boundless energy and commitment will be remembered by those closest to her. She was a person of integrity, thoughtfulness and caring. She was loved and will be profoundly missed.”
Dr. Bufkin was married to Dan Bufkin for 40 years until he died in 2009.
She is survived by two brothers, James Welden and Dale Welden; nieces and nephews, Marcy Kollbaum, Nathan Welden, Rachel Park, Benjamin Welden and Abby Bartelt, their spouses; and thirteen great nieces and nephews.
She will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A private family memorial service will be held at a later time.