Beloved, innovative professor worked at URI for 45 years

May 9, 2023

Professor Emerita Agnes G. Doody, 93, who inspired and enlivened the University of Rhode Island for 45 years, died in Wakefield, April 28. Known for wearing the color purple, coiling her hair in a gold crown and driving a pair of Mercedes-Benz cars with “TALK” and “TALK2” as license plates, she was a legend at URI.

The University of Rhode Island is deeply saddened by her passing and extends its condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

A university press release issued in October 2010 to mark the dedication of Agnes G. Doody Auditorium in Swan Hall noted Agnes’ commitment to students’ success and their well-being.

Born in 1930 to Carrie and Daniel Doody, she grew up on a 400-acre farm in North Branford, Connecticut. She milked cows, was a crack shot with a rifle and camera, and in 1946 became the first female to win the State Meat Animal Fair when exhibiting her cows.

During World War II, she was an airplane-spotter for a time, until officials discovered she was only 15 and had lied about her age.

Agnes was not shy about telling people she was expelled from Central Connecticut State College (now university) for hitchhiking. She then enrolled at Emerson College in Boston, where she was a self-described underachiever placed on academic probation. Nonetheless, she made it to graduation, and ultimately earned a doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University.

After teaching for five years at Penn State, Agnes began her URI teaching career in 1958 as director of Forensics, Department of Speech and Theatre. She quickly earned accolades for a uniquely effective teaching style, along with an ability to ride a bicycle in high heels. When denied a raise because she was married and “only” a woman, she threatened the URI president that she would have her marriage annulled, and take out a newspaper ad describing the unjust treatment. She protested other unfair actions of every type, including President Richard Nixon’s characterization of student Vietnam War protesters as “bums.”

Academically, she earned unmitigated praise and prestige, raising the profile of a field long considered near the bottom of the academic ladder. In 1967, she founded and chaired the Department of Speech at URI. She coached debate teams and pioneered business communications and conflict resolution courses. Thanks to her groundbreaking work and advocacy, Communication Studies became one of the most popular majors at URI. In 1980, Agnes received the URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement Excellence Award for Teaching.

“Dr. Agnes Doody was a legendary and outstanding professor who did everything possible to help students become all they were capable of being,” said Winifred Brownell, dean emeritus of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A force of nature who advocated for people, causes, and programs, Agnes was not afraid of conflict or authorities who told her no. I knew she was ready for battle when I would see her in her purple pantsuit holding her purple pen while striding with vigor into a college or Faculty Senate meeting. She courageously fought to unionize faculty, insisted on equal rights for women and people from underrepresented groups, and encouraged students to become responsible global professionals. Her marvelous sense of humor could diffuse even challenging situations. Agnes was a brilliant public speaker, avid reader, and talented chef and gardener. Above all, she helped people’s dreams come true.” 

A celebration of her life will be held July 28, at 9:30 a.m. in the Agnes G. Doody Auditorium of Swan Hall, 60 Upper College Road, on the Kingston Campus.

Gifts in her memory to the Agnes G. Doody Scholarship Fund can be made to the URI Foundation, PO Box 1700, Kingston, RI, 02881, with a note in the memo line, or donors can make a secure gift online.
Read the full obituary.