Faculty and alumni alike mourn the passing of Dr. Edgar J. Langlois, a business professor remembered warmly for his spirit and the lasting connection he made with students. Langlois, of Lake Worth, Florida, died Nov. 5, 2022, at the age of 88.
He joined the faculty of Palm Beach Atlantic in 1998, after working in media and advertising for 30 years. For 12 years he directed the MBA program in the Marshall E. Rinker School of Business, where students and colleagues fondly referred to him as Dr. Ed.
“I will always remember how Dr. Ed welcomed me as a new professor in the Rinker School of Business,” said Dr. Cora M. Barnhart, chair of the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics. “Observing his enthusiasm for marketing, his concern for his students and colleagues and the importance of faith in his life modeled for me what it meant to be a professor at a faith-based school.”
“Ed is already greatly missed,” said Dr. John P. Hayes, Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership and director of the Titus Center for Franchising. “First and foremost, he was a gentleman, loved his wife and family and loved teaching his students at PBA. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed debating topics of the day, and at the end of the day, he wanted all of us to know that he enjoyed a productive, special life. May he rest in peace.”
Survivors include Ed Langlois’ wife of 46 years, Ann, who taught alongside him in the Rinker School; brother Joseph and sister Joan; children Michael, Lisa and Scott; and five grandchildren. A Mass of Celebration was held Nov. 16 at St. Thomas More Church in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Comments left on the funeral home’s digital guest book included these from former students:
“Dr. Ed was a true inspiration for me while I was his student in business school,” said Patrick Fraser. “His interactions with me positively influenced key decisions I made as a student and beyond. Dr. Ed’s gracious advice continues to favorably impact the trajectory of my career and life almost 20 years later. He was a very kind and caring person and a great mentor.”
“My favorite memories of Dr. Ed are how spunky and full of energy he always was during our classes,” said Kenna Schott. “So many of us college students would come into class tired and stressed, and Dr. Ed’s positive attitude would always leave me with a smile on my face. He will be so missed!”
Photo: Dr. Ed Langlois
