David Gregg Imig

David Gregg Imig, 87, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1939, in Normal, Illinois, the son of Donald and Margaret Imig.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carol Janet Rowley Imig; his brother, Dale (Janet); his four children, Douglas (Kathryn), Mark (Michele), Scott (Tina), and Jennifer; and his 11 grandchildren: Joey, Newt, Tyler, Emily, David, Charlie, Isabelle, Cole, Allison, Amelia, and Jack, each of whom had a special bond with him and will miss him terribly.

David grew up in Joliet, Illinois. He and Carol were married on June 18th, 1961, in Lockport, Illinois and immediately travelled to New York City and on to East Africa. For many years, he worked for US AID in Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Liberia; an experience that shaped him for the rest of his life. The couple then made their life in Maryland for decades before settling in Hilton Head.

After earning his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, David devoted his career to preparing teachers and educational leaders. He was President Emeritus of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), where he worked for 35 years, including 25 as President and CEO. In 2005, he joined the College of Education at the University of Maryland as a Professor of Practice, a role he held for 20 years. His influence reached across the field of Education through his work with the Carnegie Foundation, National Policy Board for Educational Administration, the Learning First Alliance, and as a founder of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED).

Former students and colleagues remember David as a mentor and friend who shaped careers and lives. Professionally, he was tireless, energetic, and passionate, full of insights, ideas, and encouragement. His legacy lives on through the educational leaders he helped to develop, the partnerships he built, and the initiatives he created.

David loved to explore, and his travels took him to 53 countries on six continents. He appreciated diverse peoples and places, he celebrated differences, and he embraced cultures. At home, he loved gardening, walking his dog, bird watching, reading, discussing current events, strolling the beach, and cheering on his grandchildren in sports, work, and in life.

Above all, David loved his wife, Carol, and his family. He was a keen listener and was actively engaged with each of his children and grandchildren’s interests, hopes and worries. He was a careful listener and offered counsel that was wise, honest and kind. He will be remembered for his integrity, fairness and generosity; for his belief in the promise of education to support the wellbeing of mankind; and for his lifelong commitment to supporting and celebrating the success of his students, colleagues, family and friends.

A celebration of David’s life and legacy will be held in the Spring of 2027. In lieu of flowers, David’s family asks well-wishers to consider a donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank.