JU family mourns the passing of Prof. Curtis Small

Jacksonville University lost a beloved and respected faculty member Tuesday, July 16, with the passing of Dr. Curtis Small, associate professor of biology and chemistry.

Dr. Small was hospitalized in Virginia, with family members at his side, when he passed away after an extended illness.

A graduate of North Carolina and North Carolina State universities, Dr. Small taught at JU since 2002, and previously was a professor at the University of South Alabama. His areas of specialization were advanced genetics, biochemistry, cell physiology and genetic control of metabolic flux. He served as JU’s Pre-Med coordinator; was a member of Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society; and was a longtime supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters Northeast Florida.

At JU, Dr. Small was instrumental in establishing an agreement with Mayo Clinic Jacksonville enabling students  to participate in a one-year research internship alongside Mayo graduate faculty. In addition, Dr. Small helped establish an articulation agreement with the Nova Southeastern University Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, providing JU students more opportunities to attend medical school.

Dr. Small had extensive experience as a molecular biology researcher, publishing 18 articles in academic and research journals. His research at JU also included studying the epidemiology of HIV transmission in Duval County in collaboration with the Northeast Florida AIDS Network.

A funeral is not planned; at the family’s request, a memorial service will be held at JU shortly after the start of the fall term so that students, faculty and staff can be present. Those details will be sent to the JU community when they are available.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Dr. Small’s family at his sister’s residence: Rhonda Combs, 4409 Centralia Road,  Chester, VA 23831.

A Facebook page honoring Dr. Small’s life as an enthusiastic and caring educator, mentor and friend has been established (click here).