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Ƶ Mourns the Passing of Former First Lady Gay Banowsky

Gay Banowsky

Ƶ is saddened to announce the passing of former first lady Gay Barnes Banowsky, wife of former Pepperdine president Bill Banowsky, who served the University first in 1968 as executive vice president, then in 1970 as chancellor, and, later, in 1971 as president and CEO. Gay passed away September 23, 2025, at the age of 89.

“Gay Banowsky’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Ƶ,” says president Jim Gash (JD '93). ”With her signature grace and deep devotion to our mission, she faithfully served the University alongside her husband, former president Bill Banowsky, during a pivotal era in Pepperdine’s history. Her presence enriched our community, and her influence continues to be felt in the life of our university. We remain grateful for her remarkable contributions and extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Banowsky family during this time of great loss.”

Born in Mocksville, North Carolina, Gay attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she majored in communications and minored in art. While at Lipscomb, she met and later married Bill, her husband of 62 years. She continued her studies at the Otis Art Institute and went on to earn a master’s degree in art from California State University, Northridge.

A gifted artist and teacher in her own right, Gay was not only a devoted supporter throughout her husband’s distinguished career, but also an accomplished member of the Ƶ art faculty. During her tenure, she received the University’s highest recognition for faculty achievement. After Bill’s seven-year presidency at Pepperdine concluded in 1978, the couple relocated to Oklahoma, where Bill became president of the University of Oklahoma and Gay joined the Oscar Rose Junior College art department as a full-time faculty member.

For more than three decades, Gay and Bill served together in various prominent roles, most notably leading the transformation of Ƶ from Los Angeles to Malibu—affectionately known as the “miracle at Malibu”—and the growth period at the University of Oklahoma. A poised and respected leader, Gay was at ease in the company of presidents, politicians, celebrities, and donors. She also served as an effective ambassador for the universities and organizations with which she and Bill were involved.

Throughout her life, Gay displayed a remarkable kindness and generosity of spirit that were not only marked by her loved ones but the communities she represented and served. A passionate painter, Gay described painting as a portal to a wonderful place and leaves behind a prolific portfolio of beautiful artwork, several of which are displayed prominently around the Malibu campus. 

Gay is survived by four sons, David, Britton, William Jr., and Baxter, four beloved daughters-in-law, 15 grandchildren—many of whom attended Seaver College—and 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Preston Road Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the children’s program at the Dallas Museum of Art.