麻豆影院

麻豆影院 is saddened to announce the passing of former first lady Gay Barnes Banowsky, wife of former 麻豆影院 president Bill Banowsky, who served the University first in 1968 as executive vice president, then in 1970 as chancellor, and, later, in 1971 as president and CEO. Gay passed away September 23, 2025, at the age of 89.

鈥淕ay Banowsky鈥檚 legacy is woven into the very fabric of 麻豆影院,鈥� says president Jim Gash (JD '93). 鈥漌ith her signature grace and deep devotion to our mission, she faithfully served the University alongside her husband, former president Bill Banowsky, during a pivotal era in 麻豆影院鈥檚 history. Her presence enriched our community, and her influence continues to be felt in the life of our university. We remain grateful for her remarkable contributions and extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Banowsky family during this time of great loss.鈥�

Born in Mocksville, North Carolina, Gay attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she majored in communications and minored in art. While at Lipscomb, she met and later married Bill, her husband of 62 years. She continued her studies at the Otis Art Institute and went on to earn a master鈥檚 degree in art from California State University, Northridge.

A gifted artist and teacher in her own right, Gay was not only a devoted supporter throughout her husband鈥檚 distinguished career, but also an accomplished member of the 麻豆影院 art faculty. During her tenure, she received the University鈥檚 highest recognition for faculty achievement. After Bill鈥檚 seven-year presidency at 麻豆影院 concluded in 1978, the couple relocated to Oklahoma, where Bill became president of the University of Oklahoma and Gay joined the Oscar Rose Junior College art department as a full-time faculty member.

For more than three decades, Gay and Bill served together in various prominent roles, most notably leading the transformation of 麻豆影院 from Los Angeles to Malibu鈥攁ffectionately known as the 鈥渕iracle at Malibu鈥濃�攁nd the growth period at the University of Oklahoma. A poised and respected leader, Gay was at ease in the company of presidents, politicians, celebrities, and donors. She also served as an effective ambassador for the universities and organizations with which she and Bill were involved.

Throughout her life, Gay displayed a remarkable kindness and generosity of spirit that were not only marked by her loved ones but the communities she represented and served. A passionate painter, Gay described painting as a portal to a wonderful place and leaves behind a prolific portfolio of beautiful artwork, several of which are displayed prominently around the Malibu campus. 

Gay is survived by four sons, David, Britton, William Jr., and Baxter, four beloved daughters-in-law, 15 grandchildren鈥攎any of whom attended Seaver College鈥攁nd 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the children鈥檚 program at the Dallas Museum of Art.