Celebration of Life planned for Dr. Maria Stallions

A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor Dr. Maria Stallions, Roanoke College associate professor of education and former chair of the education department who passed away in October. The service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 11:45 a.m. in Antrim Chapel. 

Dr. Stallions came to Roanoke College in 2008 from Barry University in Miami, her alma mater, where she served as assistant dean in the Adrian Dominican School of Education. At Roanoke College, she taught in the education department and was appointed department chair in 2015. Dr. Stallions mentored a generation of students and inspired them to consider others. Her passion for serving the needs of English Language Learners and students with special needs was a model for all.   

In addition to her roles at Roanoke College, Dr. Stallions was president of the Virginia Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and a commissioner on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. She was a longtime member of Kappa Delta Pi, serving as chapter counselor both at Barry University and at Roanoke College.  Dr. Stallions was also honored as Education Partner of the Year by Young Audiences Arts for Learning Virginia and received the Excellence in Teacher Education award from Florida Association of Teacher Educators.

“Maria’s knowledge and expertise ran deep, yet she shared it both humbly and respectfully,” colleague Dr. Leslie Murrill said. “She genuinely wanted others to achieve great things, and she dedicated herself to providing them with the resources and support to make that happen.

Dr. Stallions attended Salem Presbyterian Church and served on numerous committees, including Christian Education. Her faith was a foundation of her life, and she began every morning reading her Bible and drinking a fresh cup of coffee. 

Murrill spoke of her professional collaboration and friendship with Dr. Stallions. “Maria’s kindness, words of wisdom, and mentoring have left a lasting impression on me and so many others,” Murrill said. “We are better people because of who she was.”

If you would like to take part in celebrating Dr. Stallions’ life but are unable to attend the memorial service, please feel free to send a story or special memory about her for a Roanoke College Education faculty member to share on your behalf at the service. Dr. Stallions’ family, colleagues, students and friends will appreciate hearing about the impact she made on the lives she touched. Please email Dr. Murrill with your special memory at murrill@roanoke.edu.