The UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences remembers Professor Emerita Martha Jean Womack Haun, who died April 16 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 83.
Haun was among the first women to join UH's communications faculty when she arrived in 1969, earning tenure just one year later. She dedicated more than 50 years to the University as an associate professor, becoming a pioneering figure who helped establish the foundation of the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication.
A scholar specializing in interpersonal communication, Dr. Haun focused her research on health and family interactions during crises and end-of-life decision-making. She drew from personal experiences to develop specialized courses including "Crisis Communication Across the Lifespan" and "End of Life Communication."
"Dr. Haun provided the Valenti School with decades of dedicated service and shared her passion with her students," said Jennifer Vardeman, department chair. "As the first woman faculty member hired in our communication school, she was a pioneering leader of this school. Furthermore, she was an invaluable colleague, providing support, warmth and mentorship to her peers."
Haun served nearly a decade in administrative roles as director of undergraduate and graduate studies. Beyond teaching and administration, she became a nationally recognized expert in parliamentary procedure, serving as the official parliamentarian for various departmental committees and scholarly organizations.
Her scholarly contributions included several influential publications. She authored "Communication: Theory and Concepts" (7th edition, 2010), "Crisis Communication: Process and Practice" (3rd edition, 2010), and "Public Speaking Workbook" (3rd edition, 2000). Her expertise in parliamentary law earned her the Presidential Award for Excellence in Writing on Parliamentary Law from the American Institute of Parliamentarians in 2006.
As a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Haun held leadership positions in national organizations. She served as national editor of the Parliamentary Journal of the American Institute of Parliamentarians for seven years and edited the National Parliamentarian from 2015 to 2017. She also served as National President of Phi Beta National Professional Fraternity for the Creative and Performing Arts.
Haun established the Martha Womack Haun Phi Beta Fraternity Scholarship Award at UH, supporting communication majors who demonstrate leadership qualities. The endowed scholarship continues her commitment to student development and academic excellence.
Born Dec. 11, 1941, Haun grew up in Denison, Texas, before earning her doctorate from the University of Illinois. She received numerous honors throughout her career, including University Educator of the Year from the Texas Speech Communication Association and the Distinguished Service Award from the Commission on American Parliamentary Practice.
"The Valenti School is a strong program in part due to Dr. Haun's legacy of commitment, interpersonal communication and positivity," Vardeman said.