William Albert Hayden Schilling

William Albert Hayden Schilling, aged 89, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Hayden was born in Memphis, TN on June 2, 1935 to Guy A. W. Schilling and Frances Myers Schilling. His early years took him across the globe, as the family moved to Mumbai, India, shortly after his birth due to his father’s career. They lived there until Hayden was six years old, after which they returned to the United States, settling first in Houston and later in Dallas, TX. It was in Dallas, at St. Mark’s School, that Hayden discovered his passion for sports. He was named captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, and also excelled in competitive tennis.

Hayden’s formative years were marked by further international experiences, as his father’s career took the family to Minya and Alexandria, Egypt. Upon returning to the United States, Hayden pursued higher education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, earning a BA in History in 1959. That summer Hayden worked as a counselor at Red Oak Camp in NE Ohio. It was through one of his fellow counselors that he met his wife, of 60 years, Joan Hoerr. They married later that year on December 29, 1959. Hayden attended Vanderbilt University, earning his Master of Arts in 1962 and his PhD in 1970.

In 1964, Hayden embarked on a distinguished career at The College of Wooster, where he dedicated his professional life until retiring in 2015. During his tenure at Wooster, Hayden served as Chair of the History Department from 1974-76 and again from 2001–2004. He was Dean of Admissions from 1982–1989 and from 1990–1994. Hayden served as head coach of men's tennis at Wooster from 1980–2013 and was a five-time North Coast Athletic Conference Men's Tennis Coach of the Year (1985, 1990, 1991, 1996, 2004). He served as Vice President for Academic Affairs 1989-1990 and was also responsible for the creation of the Wooster Tennis Camp and the Youngstown Scholars summer program.

A Fulbright Scholar at Royal Holloway College, The University of London (1962-1963), Hayden was recognized for his outstanding contributions to education. In 2005, he received the U.S. Professor of the Year Award for Outstanding Baccalaureate Colleges Professor from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Hayden’s dedication to education was driven by a deep commitment to making a positive impact. When asked about his work, he once said, “At a place like Wooster, you can make a difference in both the short and long term. There is nowhere I would rather be. The College of Wooster is a unique place.”

Hayden was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan, in May 2020. He leaves behind a loving family: his children, Kathy (Jeff) Lindberg of Wooster, OH and David Schilling of Columbus, OH; and grandchildren, Erik Lindberg of NYC and Alexis Lindberg of Wooster.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Kimberly Carmel and her team, Lifecare Hospice and Roberts Funeral Home for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hayden’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/ and Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare, 1900 Akron Rd Wooster, Ohio 44691.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled shortly to honor Hayden’s remarkable legacy and the profound impact he had on those who knew him.