Honoring Professor Emeritus Ronald L. Numbers
On Monday, our department Chair, Richard Keller, read the Memorial Resolution honoring Professor Emeritus Ronald L. Numbers, who passed away on July 24, 2023, at age 81.
Ron Numbers was a giant in the history of science, medicine, and religion. His extraordinary scholarly impact includes six authored books and some 40 volumes as editor and translator. His groundbreaking works—from The Creationists to the eight-volume Cambridge History of Science—shaped entire fields of inquiry.
At UW-Madison from 1974 to 2013, Ron held appointments across history of medicine, history of science, history, and religious studies. He inspired countless undergraduates, medical students, and graduate students who continue his legacy today.
Ron is remembered not only for his remarkable scholarship and rigorous standards, but also for his generous spirit, his love of intellectual debate, his sense of humor, and his extraordinary ability to connect scholars and build intellectual community.
The memorial resolution, crafted by Professor Judith Walzer Leavitt and read by Professor Richard Keller, beautifully captures his profound contributions to our field and our institution.
Read the full resolution here.
Read the full article at: https://kb.wisc.edu/images/group222/shared/2026-02-02FacultySenate/3281MRNumbers.pdf