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Ingrid Westmoreland, Beloved Educator, Dies at 80
Ingrid Proksch Westmoreland, a respected professor and lifelong learner, is remembered for her adventurous spirit and dedication to family and students.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:54pm
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Ingrid Proksch Westmoreland, a native of Austria who became a naturalized U.S. citizen, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 80. Westmoreland had a distinguished career as an educator, serving as an Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department at Southeastern Oklahoma State University before retiring in 2007 with the honorary title of Professor Emeritus of History.
Why it matters
Westmoreland's life story reflects the journeys of many immigrants who found a home in the United States and went on to make significant contributions to their communities through their work in education. Her dedication to teaching and lifelong learning inspired generations of students.
The details
Born in Andorf, Austria in 1945, Westmoreland spent her early years in post-World War II Vienna before coming to the U.S. as a foreign exchange student in North Carolina, where she formed lasting bonds with the Hayes family. She went on to earn a Ph.D. in History from the University of Vienna in 1970 and moved to North Carolina, where she began her teaching career in the public school system. Westmoreland later joined the faculty at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she served as an Associate Professor and Department Chair until her retirement in 2007.
- Westmoreland was born on April 23, 1945 in Andorf, Austria.
- She spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Hudson, North Carolina in the early 1960s.
- Westmoreland received her Ph.D. in History from the University of Vienna in June 1970.
- She married Robert Barton Hayes and moved to North Carolina in 1970.
- Westmoreland's daughter, Stephanie Elizabeth, was born in 1973, and her son, Christopher Barton, was born on New Year's Day 1976.
- Westmoreland joined the faculty at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and became Chair of the History Department.
- She retired from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2007 with the honorary title of Professor Emeritus of History.
- Westmoreland passed away on March 9, 2026.
- A graveside service will be held at Lost Creek Cemetery in May, Texas on March 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
The players
Ingrid Proksch Westmoreland
An 80-year-old educator who had a distinguished career as a professor and department chair at Southeastern Oklahoma State University before retiring in 2007 with the honorary title of Professor Emeritus of History.
Stephanie Hayes Cook
Westmoreland's daughter, who is a J.D.
Christopher Barton Hayes
Westmoreland's son, who is an M.D.
Jutta Proksch Smutka
Westmoreland's sister.
Franzi Smutka
Westmoreland's brother-in-law.
What’s next
A graveside service will be held at Lost Creek Cemetery in May, Texas on March 22, 2026 at 2:00 in the afternoon under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home of Early, Texas, with Reverend Priscilla Monson officiating.
The takeaway
Ingrid Westmoreland's life and career exemplify the profound impact that immigrant educators can have on their communities. Her dedication to teaching and lifelong learning inspired generations of students, and her adventurous spirit and commitment to family will be long remembered.
