It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Associate Professor of Education Jane Huffman, who was the program director for post-baccalaureate initial licensure, advanced, and non-degree programs in the College of Education. A faculty member at UMW for 17 years, she brought a wealth of knowledge to the classroom and encouraged students to be innovative in their classrooms.
Throughout her work, Jane kept an open mind about new and engaging teaching methods including the use of hands-on problem-based learning strategies. She integrated the use of Lego bricks in her teaching methods classes, which inspired and led to the Lego wall in the Seacobeck Makerspace. In 2018, she was recognized with the Graduate Faculty Award. The honor showcases an exceptional full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in graduate teaching and professional leadership in a graduate program.
Jane was actively engaged in leadership for many years at the state level with the Association of Colleges of Teacher Education in Virginia, where she served as the executive director and as president, and the Association for Teacher Educators. Locally, she was civically engaged and served on the advisory board at Ferry Farm and gave tours there. She previously was chair and a tenured associate professor at UNC Pembroke, and also had a deep love of Virginia Tech, her alma mater for her Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. She also earned an M.S. in educational media and a B.S. in history and social studies from Radford University.
She will be deeply missed by the College of Education, the campus community, and the many students and teachers whom she connected with through the years. A small family service is being planned, and those wishing to send condolences are requested to make a donation to their favorite animal welfare charity in memory of Jane and her love of her cats, in lieu of sending flowers.
The staff members at the Talley Center for Counseling Services are here for any student who may need immediate support. Contact the center at 540-654-1053 for options or visit the Talley Center website for additional resources. UMW students also have on-demand, free access to mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via TimelyCare, an online service accessed via a web browser or app. Go to timelycare.com/umw to access the service using single sign-on (you’ll access it with your UMW NetID – just using umw.edu at the end).
For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program, which is available at no cost with state employee health insurance plans, may be accessed through the Human Resources website.
Timothy M. O’DonnellProvostUniversity of Mary Washington