Longtime CSC professor, Cartwright, dies

A service is scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Whitney United Methodist Church. A memorial has been established for the Center for People in Need in Lincoln, Nebraska. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Cartwright, a longtime resident of Dawes County, graduated from Chadron High School in 1960 and attended Chadron State for two years. He then transferred to the University of Nebraska and spent the next eight years in Lincoln, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees before receiving his Ph.D. in the summer of 1970.

Following his studies, Cartwright was hired to teach at California State University at Bakersfield and worked as the director of freshman composition. He was later the chairman of the English Department for three years and assisted the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Cartwright returned to CSC in 1983. He taught full-time for much of his tenure but he also served as dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences for three years. During his time as dean, he helped the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society re-establish itself. He also served as president and was one of the first recipients of the Spirit of Mari Sandoz Award. Needless to say, one of his professional highlights occurred in 2001 when the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center opened.

Cartwright entered phased retirement in the fall of 2005, the same year he was announced as Chadron State’s Teaching Excellence Award winner.

Cartwright had many interests and was an avid volunteer. In addition to his service to the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society, he was on the boards of the Nebraska Humanities Council, the Upper Niobrara-White Natural Resources District, and Nebraska Public Radio. He was also chairman of the Dawes County Democratic Party.

—Alex Helmbrecht, Director of College Relations