Dr. LaVerne Boyer Lindsey

LaVerne Boyer Lindsey, born December 22, 1941, in Indianola, Mississippi, passed away on February 4, 2026. She was a woman of formidable intellect, unwavering will, and profound love — someone whose life defied easy summary. LaVerne was a nationally recognized leader in continuing and distance education, expanding access to learning for nontraditional, rural, military, and underserved students across the United States. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years, she held senior academic leadership roles at major universities. A pioneer in instructional telecommunications, she helped secure nearly $18 million in funded grants and was an early advocate for distance learning guided by human need rather than technology alone. Those who worked with her knew her as a powerhouse — brilliant, exacting, and fearless. She had a presence that commanded respect and a mind that left few unimpressed. Her accomplishments were too many to fully name or remember, but her impact was unmistakable wherever she went. Her strength was forged early. Raised in the Mississippi Delta, LaVerne began her career in education during a time of deep upheaval and transformation. She later earned both her master’s degree and doctorate from Mississippi State University and went on to serve as Dean of Continuing Education at Florida Atlantic University and Kansas State University, while completing her career as Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Tennessee. Beyond institutions and titles, LaVerne’s legacy lives most powerfully in people. She was deeply devoted to family and fought tirelessly for those she loved. She raised her children with determination and grace, meeting adversity head-on and refusing to yield to it. Anyone she loved was truly lucky. LaVerne also had a deep appreciation for history and connection. She devoted countless hours to genealogical research, preserving family stories, documents, and histories so future generations could understand where they came from and who stood before them. In quieter moments, she enjoyed cross-stitch, travel, crosswords, and reading. She found joy not only in learning, but in sharing it — in lifting others, believing in them, and seeing potential where others could not. She was preceded in death by her former husband and the father of her children, Larry Lindsey. She is survived by her children, Suzanne Lindsey, Shannon Lindsey, and Bradley Lindsey; and her grandchildren, Rachel Reetz, Erin Vlasak, Nathan Cohen, Nicholas Lindsey, Daryl Cohen, Alexandra Cohen, and Hunter Lindsey. No services are planned.

Tributes

Dr. LaVerne Boyer Lindsey

December 22, 1941 - February 4, 2026