University Mourns Staff Member, Sorority Advisor
07/17/2023
by Buffy Lockette
Jacksonville State is mourning the passing of staff member Tonya McGowan, who died on June 30 just two weeks shy of her 36th birthday following a battle with cancer. A 2005 graduate of Anniston High School, McGowan continued her education at JSU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information systems. She later received a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama.
McGowan worked as a disability specialist for the Birmingham Social Security and Disability Determination Center for more than a decade, before joining the staff at the JSU Small Business Development Center as a business advisor.
“Tonya was the consummate professional,” said Ken Grissom, director of the Small Business Development Center. “She had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. She will be greatly missed by her coworkers and clients.
McGowan also served as faculty/staff advisor of the JSU’s Lambda Pi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc., having been initiated into the organization in December 2009.
“It is never easy to lose somebody who means so much to our students and JSU family,” said SGA President Tierra Thatch, who is also a member of AKA. “On behalf of the Lambda Pi chapter, we ask for prayers for a sister and mentor who has gained their wings. Her love, passion, character and dedication will be remembered forever and a day.”
JSU Counseling Services is available to assist students who need help processing their grief. For an appointment, call 256-782-5475 or visit the Counseling Services website