In Memoriam: Lissa Jean Yogan, 1959-2024

Lissa Jean Yogan, a longtime faculty member at Valparaiso University in Indiana, passed away on March 11. She was 64 years old.

Dr. Yogan began her career in higher education as assistant director of commuter affairs and coordinator of instruction and training at the University of Maryland, after which she became director of resident life and housing at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana. During this time, she became interested in sociology and pursued a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.

After earning her doctoral degree, Dr. Yogan joined the faculty at Valparaiso University in 1995 as a visiting professor in the department of sociology and criminology. She was promoted to the rank of assistant professor in 1997, associate professor in 2008, and full professor in 2019. Outside of her faculty appointments, Dr. Yogan held various leadership positions within the university including associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, assistant provost for faculty affairs, and associate provost.

Dr. Yogan held a bachelor’s degree in international economics and cultural affairs from Valparaiso University, a master’s degree in student personnel in higher education and counseling psychology from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Notre Dame.