Obituary
Dr. Rick Jay Short, 74, passed away on September 15, 2025, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Born in Vernon, Texas, on August 14, 1951, Rick carried the heart of a Texan with him wherever he went. A lifelong learner and teacher, he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, followed by a master’s degree from Texas State University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina.
Rick dedicated his career to education, research, and the development of future scholars and professionals. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he served as a professor of psychology and held faculty positions at Auburn University, Penn State University, and the University of Missouri. He made lasting contributions to the field through both his teaching and leadership. Rick served as associate executive director of the Education Directorate at the American Psychological Association and went on to serve as Associate Dean for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University. He later served as Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Humanities at the University of Houston–Clear Lake. His contributions to education were recognized with a Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas State University, an Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Education at the University of North Carolina, and the Silver Achievement Medal given by NASA Johnson Space Center.
But Rick’s proudest legacy was the family he built and nurtured. He shared a remarkable life with his wife and partner of many years, Dr. Paula Myrick Short, and was the proud father of three sons: Jeffrey Brent Williams (Kristen), John Ryan Myrick Short (Sarah), and Rick Jay Short, Jr. He was “Grandpa Mustache” to five cherished grandchildren: Brennan, Julia, Clay, Gabe, and Kaia. Rick also leaves behind his brother, Dave Short (Angie), his sister, Tanya Morehouse (Richard), and sister-in-law, Judy Parks, He also leaves behind his nephews Wendel (Wendy) and Neil (Sandy) Parks, nephew Austin Short, and niece Alyssa (Paul) Brown. Rick also will be missed by his extended family, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives he touched with wisdom and kindness.
Outside of his professional life, Rick had a deep love for genealogy, reading, and travel—especially trips taken with his family. He was a lifelong Texas Longhorn and cherished the traditions and spirit of his home state but he also loved his UNC Tar Heels.
Private family services will be held at a later date. In honor of his life, the family encourages donations to a charity of choice, particularly supporting the well-being or mental health of children and young adults.
Rick Jay Short lived a life defined not just by his accomplishments, but by his unwavering love for those around him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Dear Dr. Short and Family,
Extending my heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Thinking of you all.
Bradley
To the family, my name is Michael Dean and I too was born in Vernon. Rick was a high school classmate and friend. I, like so many who knew him are saddened by the heartbreaking news of his passing. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Michael & Stephany Dean
To Rick’s family.
I am Mike Coggins, a classmate of Rick from the Class 1969 at Vernon High School. Rick and I had a wonderful time together in high school and during class reunions. He has been in our prayers through all his and Paula’s health issues. We will continue to keep Paul and the family in prayers during this difficult time. God Bless!
With Sympathy
Mike and Luci Coggins
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I am so sad to hear of his passing and want to share what a joy he was to know in his role as the Dean of HSH at UHCL. I was fortunate to collaborate with him on a few projects, and I learned from him in the process. Rest in peace, Dr. Short.
Dear Paula and family,
I am saddened to learn of Rick’s passing and send heartfelt condolences to you all. I will remember Rick as a valued colleague and a thoughtful voice of reason. His impact on our university is significant and his legacy as an educator and leader secured. We will all carry on with our work for student success having benefitted from his leadership and friendship.
Fondly,
Joe Staley
I am so very sorry to hear of the death of Rick Short, my former supervisor, my advocate, and a leader from whom I learned so much at UHCL. In so many ways, Rick played a pivotal role in my professional life: he hired me, challenged and supported me, prepared me to move into a role he himself had occupied, and helped me secure the position I hold now. I am so very grateful for all that Rick did for me, and I am so very sorry for the loss of this great man with whom I worked, day in and day out, for nearly a decade. I remember well the love Rick had for his family and the joy in his eyes when he talked about them. My thoughts are with all in the Short family during this sad time—and Paula, I hope I will see you again some day.
Dear Paula,
I am so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. Cindy Reed informed me and asked me if I had your home mailing address, which I did not. I remember Rick as a compassionate and funny guy who always had a smile on his face when I saw him. My heart goes out to you and your family. Take care and stay well.
Alan Shoho
Dear Dr. Short and Family,
Extending my heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time. God bless you all. Stay strong during these times.
Thinking of you all.
Edrick
I have lived in Houston for nearly ten years, largely because of Dr. Short and his vision to establish UHCL’s Health Service Psychology PsyD program. He made it possible for my wife and me to fulfill our shared dream of pursuing dual academic careers by hiring us both to serve as faculty in the program. Beyond that, Dr. Short was an invaluable mentor who guided me as I found my footing in administrative roles within our School Psychology program. He dedicated his life to the service of others—through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to training the next generation of psychologists. I also had the privilege of getting to know some of his family, who reflect the same kindness, humility, intellect, and integrity that Dr. Short modeled every day. am deeply grateful for Dr. Short and his family—his legacy lives on in all of us he inspired and in every future psychologist who passes through UHCL’s doctoral program.
To Rick’s family:
Although I have not seen Rick in years, I shared many years of sweet friendship with him as a colleague, beginning with his stint at EKU while I was at UK. Be it co presenting at NASP, helping me finish my dissertation, or dinner conversations about his love for his boys, Rick was a friend.
He was a good, spiritually minded man with a big heart!
The world was better because of him.
I offer my most sincere condolences.
Bobbie Burcham
Rick was the greatest, in so many ways that I’ve known him from age 12 and to the present. I believe that his presence in heaven was when our graduating class in Vernon met to honor his life.
It is with deep sadness I learned today that Dr. Rick J. Short passed away near 5 months ago. To his family, my sincere condolences. Dr. Short hired me in 2015 to work as his Program Coordinator, which I did while he was the Dean of Human Sciences and Humanities of the University of Houston Clear Lake. I witnessed his professionalism, wisdom, and kindness. He was extremely supportive, just, and an equanimous man. I appreciated and respected him very, very much and I am truly sorry for his passing. To all his family my heartfelt condolences🌹
May he rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon his soul 🙏.