Byron Young
From the time he entered Glassboro State College as an undergrad to the time he retired from his Rowan University teaching career, Byron Young ’62, M’66 witnessed a small teachers’ college morph into a much larger public university. “It’s mind-boggling,” he said. “The change that I saw was extraordinary, from every new building and campus expansion to the name changes—three of which happened while I was there.”

A Salem native, Young chose to keep in tradition with his siblings and enrolled as an undergraduate at Glassboro State. Originally torn between a love for both art and music (he served as a military draftsman and illustrator from 1955-58), Young found himself in a bind when it came time to declare a major. “Even though I enjoyed both areas, I chose art,” he said. “I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life and figured teaching art is just as good as anything else. At least I’d be doing something I would enjoy.”

Upon receiving his B.A. in art education, Young taught in the Elizabeth Public School System. He left the district after the College invited him back as a graduate assistant to pursue his M.A. After earning his second degree, Young joined the Glassboro faculty as a professor. “I trained teachers and devised a new curriculum for teaching art education,” he explained.

Over the course of his career, Young earned his Ed.D. from Pennsylvania State University and was the recipient of many awards and honors. Devoted to helping colleagues and students, Young served with several professional and educators’ groups, including the Black Professionals Association and the National Art Education Association. Young said, “I was on almost every possible committee my department had to offer.”

When he moved from New Jersey to Florida with his wife, Margaret Jenkins Young ’63, Young spent some time working with an architectural stained glass artist, cutting glass and making glass panels. “It was interesting work,” he said. “When you have an interest in something, it’s best to learn the craft from a master who is expert.”

Now fully retired, Young enjoys spending time playing golf, reading and will begin piano lessons in the fall. “I’ve always been musically inclined,” he said. “I figured it’s time for me to get better at playing the piano.”

Between planning trips with his wife (they’re going to Mexico), visiting his two children and grandson in New Jersey and devoting time to his hobbies, Young is determined to get back into painting. “I have the supplies,” he said. “It’s just a matter of finding time to do it. Retirement’s funny. You think you have a lot of time to do things, but between golf, reading and everything else, I haven’t found the chance to paint. It really is unbelievable how the time just goes by.”

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Alumni can honor retired faculty by donating to a scholarship fund and other investment. Call Anne Hagan at 856-256-5402 or visit the Rowan University Foundation.