The Kennesaw, Georgia, community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jillian Ford, a respected Associate Professor at Kennesaw State University and a beloved member of both the academic and local community. Her untimely death has left family, colleagues, students, and friends mourning the loss of a remarkable educator, scholar, and mentor.
Dr. Ford dedicated her career to advancing education and inspiring the next generation of leaders. As a faculty member at Kennesaw State University, she was admired not only for her academic expertise but also for her deep commitment to her students. She believed in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments and was known for going beyond the classroom to ensure her students felt seen, heard, and encouraged in their academic journeys.
A proud graduate of Emory University, Jillian’s academic path reflected her passion for research, teaching, and service. Her scholarship was guided by a commitment to social justice, equity, and community impact, values she carried into every aspect of her work. Colleagues at Kennesaw State remember her as a thoughtful collaborator and a tireless advocate for her students, while friends and loved ones recall her warmth, generosity, and uplifting spirit.
Dr. Jillian Ford’s legacy will continue to live on in the lives of the many students she taught and mentored, in her contributions to education, and in the love she shared with her community. She will be profoundly missed but forever remembered with admiration, gratitude, and respect.
At this time, details regarding memorial services and ways to honor Dr. Ford’s life and work will be shared by the family in the coming days.