The Austin College community is saddened to learn of the sudden death Monday, September 26, of Dr. Jack Pierce, director of health sciences and professor of biology. Dr. Pierce had been a beloved member of the Austin College faculty since 1967.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 1, at 3 p.m. in Wynne Chapel on the Austin College campus.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Austin College in Jack’s memory.
See the obituary and offer condolences.
The Austin College Pre-Health Society, Kappa Gamma Chi sorority, the Student athlete Advisory Council, and Student Assembly is hosting a Remembrance Tuesday, September 27, at 4:30 p.m. in the Pouch Club of Wright Campus Center. All members of the campus community are invited to participate.
Dr. Pierce held the Mary W. and Foster G. McGaw Chair in Health Sciences and was the College’s longest NCAA faculty athletics representative. Though much of his time was involved in serving as Health Sciences advisor, he continued to teach “Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy” and “Developmental Biology.” He was active in the state health science advisors’ organization (TAAHP), serving as secretary-treasurer (1991-1993) and as president (1994).
Dr. Pierce earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at Western Michigan University, and his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin in 1968. For several years, he has spent his summers conducting research at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center.
“Jack’s contributions to Austin College are without measure and there will be occasions in the near future to gather the Austin College community together in his memory,” said President Marjorie Hass. “We send condolences, love, and support to his family and to all who mourn his loss.”