Distinguished professor, department head Jay Mancini passes away
Jay Mancini, who served as the Anne Haltiwanger Distinguished Professor and head of the FACS department of human development and family science from 2009-16, passed away on Oct. 10.
Mancini also was professor emeritus in the department of human development and family science at Virginia Tech, where he served on the faculty from 1977-2009.
"Dr. Mancini was beloved," said HDFS department head April Few-Demo, UGA Foundation Professor in Family and Consumer Sciences. "His strategic intuitiveness, compassion for others, witty sense of humor, endless curiosity toward discovering ways to improve the general well-being of families and communities, and courage—all qualities of an engaged colleague and a strong leader – are but a few reasons why Dr. Mancini was amazingly impactful as a mentor, collaborator, scientist, and friend to so many in FACS, UGA, and beyond. He will be sorely missed, but his work will continue to influence and inspire others in this discipline.
In 2002, he was elected as a Fellow of the National Council on Family Relations, having served in several capacities in the organization dating back to 1973.
Mancini’s research focused on lifespan human development, community systems, military family support systems and psychological well-being.
"Dr. Jay Mancini recruited me to the HDFS department in the fall of 2013, bringing me on as a new assistant professor," faculty member Assaf Oshri said. I was incredibly fortunate to have him as department head. Jay maintained an open-door policy and was always available to discuss any challenge I encountered as I navigated my path in academia for the first time."
"While adjusting to life in Athens, learning the ropes at UGA, balancing teaching, research, and family with three young children, Jay's support was invaluable. He wasn’t only supportive—he was genuinely present, making you feel that your needs were his top priority. His kindness, generosity, and attentive guidance made a lasting impact, and his mentorship was instrumental in helping me establish a productive and meaningful career. Jay’s presence and influence were felt deeply, and he will always be appreciated and remembered with gratitude."
A link to Mancini’s full obituary can be found here.