Friday, May 07, 2021

With sadness, UNCW shares that Jo Ann Seiple, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away on April 27, 2021.

Originally from Marshall, Texas, Seiple earned master’s and doctoral degrees in education and an undergraduate degree in journalism from East Texas State University.

Seiple joined the UNCW Department of English in 1979 as an associate professor. During her time at UNCW, she served as chair of the Department of English, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and dean of the college from 1996-2004. She established five new departments, including creative writing, film studies, computer science, environmental studies and social work. Seiple developed the music, art and theatre departments after a division of the Department of Fine Arts. Seiple continued to teach in the Department of English until retiring with the status of professor emerita.

Seiple received an MLE fellowship from Harvard University in 1998, was an invited participant at the ACE National Forum for Women Leaders in Higher Education in 1998 and a nominee for the YWCA Women of Achievement in Education Award in 2004. The UNCW Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution commending Seiple for her outstanding service to the university in 2004.

No services are planned. Donations may be made to the UNCW College of Arts and Sciences in her memory or to a charity. Condolences may be shared online.