In Memoriam: Arthur Hough, Professor Emeritus of Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts

Arthur S. Hough Jr., professor emeritus of Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts, died on January 1 in San Francisco. He was 93.

Born in Trenton, Hough was raised at a family-managed cemetery in the New Jersey countryside. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1950 from Rutgers University, followed by a master’s degree from Northwestern University in 1952 and a Ph.D. at the University of Denver in 1955.

Hough served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from 1949 to 1955, where he attained the rank of second lieutenant.

Hough taught at SF State from 1962 to 1994. For years, his signature SF State course was interpersonal communication. He led an experimental “New School” program at San Francisco State, team-teaching broad themes such as conflict resolution and images of work, time and leisure. In 1973, he was recognized in Outstanding Teachers of America.

He created and performed television series in public speaking, communication theory and the California Gold Rush for two network affiliates, culminating with three documentaries on disappearing gold mining processes for the California Division of Parks. His great joy was creating “Oh My Word,” a game show that aired four years on an ABC affiliate.

Hough was predeceased by his parents, Arthur S. Hough Sr. and Naomi (Young) Hough, and his wife, Humanities Professor Emerita Eleanor E. Morrissey.

To send flowers to the family in Hough’s memory please visit the website of Sullivan’s and Duggan’s Serra Funeral Services.