Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Pam Castleman
On September 12, the Jessup community celebrated the life of Dr. Pam Castleman during a service of remembrance in the Campus Commons. Many gathered to honor her memory and spoke about the impact she had upon their lives. Pam spent eight years at Jessup University shaping future teachers and administrators. First as an adjunct, then associate professor, later becoming program coordinator of graduate research and the MAED program.
Here is just a glimpse of what was shared when Jessup’s School of Education asked for people to share their memories of our beloved “Dr. Pam.”
On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at 8:00 a.m., I first met Dr. Pam Castleman over a cup of coffee at Jessup’s Crossroads Café. What was scheduled as a simple introduction quickly became a memorable and inspiring conversation. Pam shared her journey as an educator and leader, her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University, Northridge, her M.Ed. from Texas A&M University, Commerce, and her B.A. in Social Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University. She spoke with joy and conviction about her years of service as an Education Program Consultant with the California State Board of Education, a Director of Continuing Education, a District Coordinator for Curriculum and Assessment, and an Assistant Principal and teacher who had shaped lives across California and Texas.
That morning conversation opened the door to Pam teaching part-time at Jessup. For the next eight years, she became a deeply valued member of our university family. Pam’s students loved her not only for her knowledge, but for her genuine care and encouragement. She was a powerful advocate for preparing the next generation of educators and administrators, and her impact was felt across K-12 schools and higher education alike. Her laugh, positivity, and ability to see the potential in every student became hallmarks of her presence at Jessup.
Pam passed away recently and our community feels this loss deeply. At her service on campus, countless students spoke of the ways she touched their lives, not only through her teaching but through the way she lived. Pam was known for her famous words: “Have I told you that I loved you lately?” Those words continue to echo in our hearts as a reminder of who she was: a leader, a mentor, a friend and a light.
To honor her extraordinary legacy, Jessup University is establishing the Dr. Pam Castleman Legacy Scholarship. This fund will provide opportunities for students who aspire to work in education, whether in K-12 schools or higher education settings, ensuring that her passion for empowering the next generation of teachers and administrators will live on. Through this scholarship, Pam’s dedication to preparing high-quality educators will continue to shape lives for years to come.
We will miss her dearly, but we will also carry forward her spirit by teaching, leading, and loving others just as she did. Pam’s legacy reminds us that great educators do more than teach, they change lives.
– Dr. Nathan Herzog, Dean, School of Education
I want to celebrate the light Dr. Castleman brought into our lives and the legacy she leaves behind.
Dr. Castleman was not just an educator; she was a true encourager and mentor who inspired me to embrace the journey that led me to Jessup. I vividly remember the words of encouragement she shared with me, nudging me to trust in the Lord’s path for my life. Her unwavering support became a catalyst for my decision to further my career, and she became one of my biggest cheerleaders along the way.
Her love for Jesus and her passion for education shone through in every conversation and lecture. She had this incredible ability to make everyone feel valued and seen, lighting a fire within us to be the change-makers in the field of education. Dr. Castleman’s dedication inspired me to aspire to be a beacon of hope and guidance for others, just as she was for me.
I often think about our conversations and how I expressed my desire to work alongside her as a colleague one day. Though I can no longer share those dreams with her, I carry that wish in my heart as a testament to her influence and the passion she instilled in me.
The last note she wrote to me in August, just before I embarked on my new role this school year as Vice Principal, remains etched in my memory: “Have I told you how proud I am and how much I love you lately?” These words will be a reminder of not only her belief in me, but also the powerful impact of her words and love.
As we honor Dr. Castleman’s memory, let us strive to carry forward her passion and love for Jesus, people, and education. May we continue to support and uplift one another, just as she would have wanted us to.
With heartfelt sympathy and gratitude,
– Megan Harris
Pam always had a Texas-ism for me that made me smile. I could count on her to speak the truth in meetings in that special “bless your heart” way—offering both correction and connection at the same time. I loved hearing about the antics of her two beloved pups, Pickles and Pepper, and now we feel especially blessed to have them in our home.
Pam loved her students. She loved learning, making things better, and most of all, she loved the Lord. I will deeply miss her laugh, her friendship, and the joy she brought into every room and Zoom meeting she entered.
We are praying for you, her family, to know how high, wide, and deep is the love of God for you in this season of sorrow (Ephesians 3:18). May Christ Himself carry you through each moment.
With love and gratitude,
– Dave Heitman
She was incredible. I was so heartbroken to know she wouldn’t be at my graduation because she was integral to my journey as a student. I’m beyond grateful to have worked with her the past two years. I wouldn’t be where I am without her guidance and love she showed me. Even when things were crazy and busy for her, she always made time and space for us. I’m forever blessed to have her as a mentor.
– Kaitlin Larson
