Remembering Stan Levenson

Stan Levenson:PR Pioneer, Jazz Enthusiast and Friend to Perkins

The Perkins School of Theology community mourns the passing of longtime Executive Board member Stan Levenson, who died Aug. 27, 2025, at his home in Dallas at the age of 91. A legend in Dallas public relations and advertising, Levenson’s energy, generosity and creativity left a deep imprint not only on the city, but also on Perkins and Southern Methodist University.

A Leader in Public Relations

Levenson’s career in public relations spanned more than five decades. With his wife and partner, Barbara, he built one of Dallas’ best-known firms, Levenson, Levenson & Hill Inc. Known for bold, attention-grabbing campaigns and a gift for building relationships, “Stan the Man” had a hand in shaping the reputation of many household brands. He also helped open doors for countless young professionals, many of whom counted him as a mentor and friend.

A Trusted Advisor to Perkins

For Perkins, Levenson was an invaluable advisor and advocate. Though Jewish by heritage, he found common cause with the school’s mission and offered pro bono public relations and marketing support for many years. 

As Dean Emeritus Craig Hill told The Dallas Morning News, “Stan brought his expertise as a leader in the field of marketing and advertising and enthusiastically supported our efforts to tell the Perkins story.”

Shaping Dallas Civic and Cultural Life

Levenson’s legacy in Dallas was not limited to business. He played a key role in civic and cultural life, chairing major initiatives such as the grand opening of the African American Museum at Fair Park and serving on the boards of organizations including the Dallas Arboretum, Texas Trees Foundation, Sammons Center for the Performing Arts and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. In the late 1960s, he helped launch Soul City, one of the first integrated nightclubs in Dallas, bringing top R&B acts such as Ike & Tina Turner, Fats Domino and Little Richard to the stage.

A Lifelong Passion for Jazz

His passions extended to music—especially jazz. Over his lifetime, he built and donated two major jazz collections, first to Tulane University and later to the University of Texas at Dallas. Friends and family recall the sound of horns and drums echoing through his home late into the evening.

“Stan Levenson helped shape corporate trajectories and consumers’ experiences,” said SMU President Jay Hartzell. “Many household brands that we know of today became that way due to Stan and his team. But, perhaps more importantly, Stan treated others with kindness, generosity, respect and caring. I wish we had had more Stan Levensons.”

Family and Memorial

Levenson is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara, two daughters, six grandsons, four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter. A memorial service was held Aug. 29 at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas.