March 14, 2003

Contact: Ranjit Arab, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

Statement by provost, professors on death of KU Professor Carolyn Doty

University of Kansas Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor David Shulenburger, James Hartman, chair of the KU English department, and Tom Lorenz, KU associate chair of English, made the following statements in response to the death of Carolyn Doty, professor of English at KU.

Doty, a noted author whose novels include "A Day Late," "Fly Away Home" and "Whisper," had taught at KU since 1986. She was 61 years old.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor David Shulenburger
"I was deeply saddened to learn of Carolyn Doty's unexpected death. I came to know Carolyn well through her work on two university committees. I learned to value her sense of responsibility to the university community, her work ethic and most especially her delightful and unconventional sense of humor. My thoughts are with her family and her colleagues in the Department of English."

James Hartman, chair of the English department
"Carolyn was an original voice that we will miss for years to come. She was a very strong influence on her students and really made a difference in their lives. There are many writers out there now who are writers because of her experience and support."

Tom Lorenz, associate chair of English
"Carolyn and I both arrived at KU in 1986. All through the years she was a wonderful friend and colleague. She was a splendid writer and an even better teacher, who shaped many careers and nurtured hundreds of young writers. Her humor and her very generous spirit will long be remembered."