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University Community Extends Sympathy to Family of Mary Jean Rutherford, Emeritus Faculty

03/15/2022

JONESBORO – The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Mary Jean Rutherford, emeritus associate professor of clinical lab sciences, who died last week at her home in Tupelo, Miss. The tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library will be lighted scarlet Friday, March 18, as a memorial tribute to her and her contributions to Arkansas State University.

Rutherford joined the faculty of the College of Nursing and Health Professions in 1986 and retired in 2005, concluding a 19-year career at A-State. During the university's centennial celebration in 2009-10, Rutherford was recognized by the Faculty Association as one of the First 100 Distinguished Faculty of the institution, based on her outstanding career and professional achievements.

A Missouri native, Rutherford earned her bachelor's degree in medical technology from Northwestern University in Chicago, and her master's degree in education from Drury University in Springfield, Mo.

Survivors include a sister, Dorothy Golden and husband Dennis of Tupelo, several nieces and nephews, and their families. Her complete obituary is online.

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Mary Jean Rutherford