Retired
Chemistry Department faculty member remembered for mentorship, dedication to
Hendrix
CONWAY,
Arkansas (June 12, 2023)—The Hendrix College community is saddened by the June
6 passing of Dr. John E. Stuckey, a Hendrix College alumnus
of the Class of 1951 who returned to campus and taught in the Department of
Chemistry from 1958 to 1992. He was 93.
Dr.
A.Y. “Al” Gordon ’80 recalled that he first met John Stuckey because Stuckey
was assigned to be his academic advisor; ultimately, though, Stuckey became one
of the true “difference makers” in Gordon’s life.
“I
am so fortunate we maintained our friendship all of these years,” Gordon said. “There
were times that my self-confidence was lacking, but he knew ‘the buttons to
push’ to renew that confidence. He was a professor serious about his work, but
he had a great sense of humor. My first day back to Hendrix as a sophomore I
went to his office to inform him that I was changing my major from chemistry to
biology. His response was, ‘Ah, you’ve decided to take the easy route.’ He
chuckled and told me he would change my advisor to someone in the Biology
Department, but that I could remain with him if I chose to do so. Although we
had incredible faculty in biology, I chose to remain John’s advisee. That was
one of the best decisions I ever made… the memories of our friendship will
forever be special to me.”
Colleagues
also remembered Stuckey’s steady mentoring of students and faculty alike, and
his love for the College.
“John
Stuckey and family greeted and guided my family and me when I started my life
at Hendrix and Conway in 1970, and John remained my friend and mentor for the
rest of his life,” said Dr. Warfield Teague, Willis H. Holmes Distinguished
Professor Emeritus, who retired from the Department of Chemistry in 2008. “He
was a trusting and trusted teacher and mentor to students with high standards
and expectations for them. As department head of Chemistry, he was organized
and forward-looking in his support of academic standards. It was a pleasure to
serve with him in maintaining a strong departmental program at Hendrix. He was
the most Hendrix-centric person I have known.”
“John was a great mentor,” said Dr. Tom Goodwin, Elbert
L. Fausett Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, who taught alongside
Stuckey from 1978 until Stuckey’s retirement. “He accepted and encouraged
change; therefore, progress was made under his leadership. [And] he loved
Hendrix!”
A graveside service, officiated by his daughter the Rev.
Elizabeth Stuckey Utley, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Lone Tree
Cemetery Chapel in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the John E. Stuckey or Hazel Garrison Thatcher
Scholarship funds at Hendrix College.
