In Memoriam: Nancy Moody, 1951-2024

Nancy Moody, the first woman president of both Lincoln Memorial University and Tusculum University in Tennessee, passed away on December 26. She was 73 years old.

Dr. Moody had a long career as a nurse, educator, and administrator within the state of Tennessee. Her first teaching position was as an instructor of nursing at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate. She later held faculty appointments at the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University, where she also served as department chair in the College of Nursing. Additionally, she had a stint as executive director of the Tennessee Center for Nursing.

In 2002, Dr. Moody returned to Lincoln Memorial University as the institution’s first woman president. Seven years later, she became the first woman president of Tusculum College (now University) in Greenville. During her presidency, she helped the college increase its undergraduate enrollment, expand academic offerings, launch new athletic programs, strengthen alumni relations, and create partnerships with local community colleges. She also oversaw the construction of the Meen Center for Science and Math.

A native of Middlesboro, Kentucky, Dr. Moody earned her associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. She received her master’s degree in nursing from Texas Woman’s University and her doctor of nursing practice degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.