Dr. Mark Howard Wellman

July 11, 1962 - December 26, 2021

Dr. Mark Howard Wellman passed away while visiting his sister in Florida on Sunday, December 26th. Mark suffered a seizure followed by a cardiac arrest that took his precious life. He was born in Lima, Ohio on July 11, 1962. The son of Howard and Althea (Howell) Wellman. Mark received his Doctor of Philosophy from George Washington University. Mark had worked as a professor at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business for over 30 years. He was hired to oversee the MBA program, later took a Clinical Professor role, was the Director of the Business, Society, and Economy program of the College Park Scholars, and was promoted to Assistant Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations for the school. He created the management major and many other innovative and co-curricular programs and experiences. Mark received the University of Maryland Brit Kirwan award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the university. He also received numerous awards for teaching; including the Allen J. Krowe Teaching Excellence award for his outstanding contribution to business education and the Outstanding Faculty Educator Award, which is presented by the Maryland Parents Association to honor his deep commitment to providing exemplary educational experiences for students. Mark spent his Christmas breaks traveling the world with students. He had contacts all over the world and took more students on study abroad trips than anyone else. Mark loved adventure; he had experienced everything from bungee jumping in New Zealand to ziplining over Dubai. Mark was a lifelong learner for his own personal growth as well as to enhance the learning experiences for his students. During the summer break, Mark continued serving others by managing the business his parents started in 1966, the Winona Lake and Campgrounds. He was constantly seeking the newest most exciting inflatables for the lake to make the summer unforgettable for the many children that frequented the lake during their summer break. Mark was kind, selfless, enthusiastic, and genuine with each person he met. Mark is preceded in death by his father, Howard of Lima, OH. He is survived by his mother, Althea of Lima, OH, his sister, Winona (Gary) Axe of Auburndale, FL, nieces and nephews, Joshua (Chelsea) Axe, Rachel (Ronson) Dykstra, and Jordan Axe. Great-nieces and nephews, Charlotte Dykstra, Oliver Dykstra, and Arwyn Axe Mark's visitation will be held on Friday, January 7th from 4 to 8 pm and the memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 8th at 1 pm at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, 1102 Lincoln Ave. (St. Rt. 501), Wapakoneta, Ohio. Burial is to follow in the Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Mary’s. The family has asked for donations to be made in Mark’s honor to the AdamGhat Ministries (www.adamghat.org) and the Samaritan’s Purse (https://www.samaritanspurse.org) in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralandcrematory.com. A virtual memorial may also be visited at https://padlet.com/MarylandSmith/5nljbtilosly6vq9