Donald Allan Waterfield Jr., professor and former dean at the University of Delaware, passed away April 29, 2026. He was 84. 

Dr. Waterfield joined the University as dean of the College of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation (now the College of Health Sciences) in 1990. He served as dean until 1997, and then as a professor of health nutrition and exercise sciences (now health behavior and nutrition sciences) until his retirement in 2007. During his time at UD, Waterfield also served as director of health promotion and research.

Jillian Trabulsi, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences (CHS), said, “Allan Waterfield was a dedicated advocate for health promotion in Delaware, helping lead initiatives that encouraged healthier lifestyles and strengthened public health efforts statewide. His legacy lives on through the academic programs he stewarded, the colleagues he inspired, and the many students he mentored.”

In 2004, Dr. Waterfield received an achievement award from the Health Education Network of Delaware (HENOD), an organization dedicated to improving health education, programs, services, policies and resources.

Dr. Waterfield also served as chairperson of the Governor’s Council on Lifestyle and Fitness and as a member of the executive board of the National Association of Governors’ Councils on Fitness. A founder of the Delaware Coalition to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Nutrition, Dr. Waterfield served on the steering committee for the Lt. Governor’s Challenge, a state-sponsored fitness program.

He was also well known for helping devise the Delaware Division of Public Health’s “Get Up and Do Something” campaign. He also chaired the IMPACT (Initiatives to Mobilize for the Prevention and Control of Tobacco-use) Delaware Tobacco Prevention Coalition. 

Dr. Waterfield was also a former board member of the American Lung Association of Delaware and of the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of Dr. Waterfield’s life will take place at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire, on Saturday, June 13, at 3 p.m. To read Dr. Waterfield’s obituary or leave online condolences, please visit the Cremation Society of New Hampshire.

Remembering Dr. Waterfield

Colleagues across the University remembered Waterfield as a visionary leader, mentor and advocate for health promotion:

David Barlow, professor emeritus of kinesiology and applied physiology: 

“Allan Waterfield came from a highly successful and extensive background in health education, health promotion and groundbreaking underwater research. He quickly became a well-liked and visionary leader on campus, respected by faculty and University leadership alike. In 1996-97, under his quiet leadership and vision for supporting the health sciences, he helped lead the creation of what became the College of Health Sciences, now one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic colleges at UD. Programs including nutrition and dietetics, health and exercise sciences, nursing, biomechanics and physical therapy all bear Allan Waterfield’s influence today.”

Stephen Goodwin, retired professor of health behavior and nutrition sciences in CHS:

“Dr. Waterfield was dean when I came to the University of Delaware and made the transition easy through his support and encouragement. After a few years as dean, following a restructuring, he transitioned to faculty and became a trusted friend. His office was across the hall from mine, and his door was always open. He was kind, positive and always willing to help anyone with a question or problem. He was a friend to all.”

Michael Peterson, professor of health behavior and nutrition sciences in CHS:

“Allan was dean of the College of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation, when I was hired at UD. I remember him saying he had the best job in the world as dean of the College. After his tenure as dean ended, we worked together on many projects. He was a strong advocate and leader in promoting health across Delaware. He was known and respected for his ability to bring people together and for spearheading health promotion initiatives throughout the state. Allan enjoyed working with students, and he was a respected mentor, teacher and colleague. His contributions and work for the department, the College and the University were immense, and he did it without fanfare or self-importance. He was truly a humble and giving person.”

Daniel Rich, professor emeritus in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration:

“Allan served with distinction as a transformational dean of the College of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation. He was an innovative and dynamic leader, focusing the College’s mission on health promotion and the integration of allied health programs and services. He was an engaging person who made friends easily and built new partnerships across campus. He greatly expanded the College’s role as a resource for health promotion across the campus and in Delaware. Allan was instrumental in the University reorganization that led to the creation of the interdisciplinary College of Health Sciences in 1997. Later, when Allan served as director of health promotion research, he became a key figure in the promotion of health and active lifestyles throughout Delaware. He was ahead of his time advocating for health promotion as central to the overall improvement of the delivery of health and medical services.”

Matthew Robinson, professor of sport management in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics:

 “Coming to the University of Delaware in 2001 as a young professor, Allan was a mentor and friend who always offered practical advice and gave me perspective on who I wanted to be as an academic. He stressed the importance of balancing and synergizing teaching, service, and research, and translating my research to benefit the professional environment. He was a great colleague and friend who was always up for a good laugh.”

Jeffrey Schneider, clinical instructor in kinesiology and applied physiology:

“Allan Waterfield was dean of the College of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation when I was first hired at the University of Delaware. Over time, he evolved from a senior administrator to a trusted mentor, valued colleague, and ultimately a close friend. His guidance, support and friendship had a lasting impact on both my professional career and personal growth. Allan will be greatly missed by the many faculty, staff, students and friends whose lives he touched throughout his career and personal life.”