Faye Elizabeth Coleman, professor emerita in the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on January 20, 2019. She was 78 years old.
Before her 40-year career in higher education, Coleman served as education coordinator at U.S.P.H.S. Hospital in Staten Island, New York. She joined the faculty at Old Dominion University in 1978 as an assistant professor. In 1980, she became director for the graduate program in medical laboratory sciences for students in several diagnostic professions. She also served as medical technology program director from 1993 until her retirement in 2016 as professor emerita.
In addition to her roles at the university, Coleman was an active member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science for many years, notably promoting mixed simulation format for clinical rotations in blood banking to alleviate clinical site shortages. She also received many awards for her contributions to medical technology education.
“In 46 years at five colleges I’ve never known a better classroom teacher than Faye Coleman,” said Roy Ogle, a professor with the college and former chair of the School of Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences. “Her students could not have received a better education anywhere. She trained her students to succeed in the lab and in life. Before coming to ODU, I had worked with five vice presidents and senior directors at LifeNet Health, all of whom were graduates of Faye’s program.”
Coleman held a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hampton University in Virginia, and a master’s degree in medical technology from St. John’s University in New York.