Dr. Laurie Jossey, interim associate dean for the University of North Georgia's College of Education, died in December after spending 35 years in the field of education.
Jossey also was an
associate professor of health and physical education and coordinator for the
College of Education's programs in physical education. She held bachelor's,
master's and doctoral degrees in physical education from Middle Tennessee State
University, University of Georgia and Tift College.
Her 35 years in the field of education included serving as chairwoman of the Education Division at Brewton-Parker College and director of athletics and assistant professor of physical education at Tift College. In 1986, Jossey was named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 25 Coach of the Year in women's tennis after leading the Tift College team to a 20-2 record and advancing to the NAIA tournament. She also was chosen to carry the Olympic flag through her hometown of Forsyth, Ga., prior to the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta.
Dr. Bob Michael, dean of UNG's College of Education, said Jossey's dedication to excellence will long be remembered by those students and colleagues who worked with her.
"Laurie had a most impressive career in education as can be easily seen from her incredible list of accomplishments," Michael said. "Laurie was unshakably committed to her students and ensuring that they were well-prepared for the demands of their profession. She was also intensely dedicated to her colleagues, setting high expectations for all of us. We in the College of Education are dedicated to maintaining the high standards and expectations that made Laurie such a wonderful person."
She is survived by her parents; brother Paul H. Jossey III and sister-in-law Katheryn of Elberton, Georgia; nephew Brian Jossey of Athens, Georgia; niece Laurie and husband Craig Truitt of Elberton; and nephew Scott Jossey of Elberton.
A memorial service and burial were held last month in Forsyth, Ga. The College of Education plans to hold a campus memorial later this semester.
