In memoriam: Jay Mancini, professor emeritus, former head of Department of Human Development and Family Science
Jay Mancini, professor emeritus and former head of the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Virginia Tech, passed away on Oct. 10. He was 75 years old.
Mancini joined Virginia Tech in 1977 as an assistant professor, and he served as department head from 1989-96.
In 2009, after 32 years at Virginia Tech, he moved on to the University of Georgia as department head of Human Development and Family Science and Haltiwanger Distinguished Professor.
Throughout his career as a family scientist, Mancini’s research focused on a range of topics and issues, including military youth and families, military family support systems, and family gerontology.
While at Virginia Tech, his work that was centered on the well-being of military families, youth at risk for developmental problems, and inventions to support community capacity resulted in more than 100 scientific publications and Cooperative Extension reports.
Mancini also created international research collaborations with scholars from around the world. He served in leadership positions with the National Council on Family Relations and the Army Youth Development Project. He was a fellow of the National Council on Family Relations and a senior research fellow for Virginia Tech’s Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment.
Mancini taught a range of courses in the human development curriculum, both for undergraduate and graduate students. He also served as an advisor to many master’s and doctoral candidates as well as undergraduate students.
In 2013, Mancini was the Ambiguous Loss Visiting Scholar at the University of Minnesota, and he taught adjunct classes at the University of Georgia in retirement.
He received his bachelor’s degree from King’s College, master’s degree from Kansas State University, and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Mancini is survived by his wife, Deborah, and children, Nathan, David, and Suzanne.
Read his full obituary.
Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:
- TimelyCare
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 855-223-9277
- Aetna at 888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
- Sentara Health Plans Vantage HMO at 800-899-8174
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Housing Services at 540-231-6205
- Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
- Equity and Accessibility at 540-231-2010
- Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
- University Ombuds Office at 540-231-3125
- Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson at 540-231-9573
