MOREHEAD, Ky. - Dr. Earl J. Bentley, retired chair and professor emeritus of MSU’s Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and former coach, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14.
The Student-Athlete Learning Lab in the EAGLE Center was officially named the “Dr. Earl J. Bentley Student-Athlete Learning Lab,” Oct. 6, 2012.
During his 30-year career at the University, Bentley coached football, track and field and women’s soccer and started the master’s degree program in HPER and the Emergency Medical Technician program.
After his retirement, a former student and football player under Bentley started a campaign to name a room in the newly renovated EAGLE Center in his honor out of respect for his dedication and devotion to MSU.
A native of Alabama, Dr. Bentley earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy State University, a master’s degree from University of Tennessee and his Ed.D. degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Morehead First Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Mantooth officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with full military honors by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.
Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.
