A tree-planting ceremony is planned for Saturday, October 17, at 10 a.m. at Tusculum College in memory of Jean Hixon, who worked with the College’s Graduate and Professional Studies program from 1984 until her passing in 2007.
The event is being organized by staff members of the GPS program in Greeneville and is open to anyone who would like to join in celebrating the life of Hixon. The tree, donated by the staff members, will be planted in the flower garden outside of Virginia Hall just outside what at one time was Hixon’s office.
According to Chance Gillespie, one of the organizers of the event and GPS enrollment representative, “Hixon was known for her kindness, strong devotion to Tusculum College and affection for her co-workers, who regarded her as ‘family.'”
Hixon began working for the College in 1984 as division accountant for the working adult learning program when it was operated by a private company contracted by Tusculum. When the College took over management of the program, she became a direct employee as admissions coordinator. At the time of her passing, she was executive administrator and assistant registrar.
A native of Parrottsville, Tenn., Hixon was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and had taught business in the Greene County School System, worked for an insurance agency and a construction firm and served in the financial aid office at Carson-Newman College before coming to Tusculum.
She was active in her church and the United Methodist Women organization. She was also a member, officer and committee person of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the American Association of University Women.
The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is requested. RSVP to Kelly Edens, admissions support coordinator, at 423-636-7330. Refreshments will be provided.