Jane Hager, Professor Emerita, Dies Following Illness
March 20, 2018
Jane Warren Meeks Hager
Jane Warren Meeks Hager, a Professor Emerita at Old Dominion University, died March 16 following an extended illness.
Hager joined the reading program at the University in 1977 and spent 33 years as a faculty member, department chair and graduate program director as well as associate dean and acting dean of the Darden College of Education.
She published more than 70 articles in professional journals in her field and presented research at dozens of conferences, such as those sponsored by the College Reading Association and the International Literacy Association. In addition, she was active in professional organizations, serving as president of the Virginia State Reading Association, chair of the American Reading Forum and an examiner for the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, according to her obituary.
Hager was the champion and creator of the university's literacy leadership concentration in the doctoral Program, said KaaVonia Hinton, professor and chair in the Department of Teaching and Learning, noting that she served under Hager as a junior faculty member when she led the department.
"She was a wonderful mentor to junior faculty in the department and is remembered for her warm and giving spirit," Hinton said. "She also had a knack for finding and grooming talent, faculty and students."
Hager also was a leader in advocating for equality of women and encouraging diversity in Old Dominion's faculty, staff and students. Her efforts were instrumental in working with others at the to establish the University Women's Caucus. Following her retirement, Hager served as vice president and president of the Old Dominion University Faculty Emeriti Association, according to the obituary.
A visitation with the family is scheduled at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Norfolk Chapel, located at 1501 Colonial Ave., on Wednesday, March 21 from 6- 8 p.m.
A service celebrating Hager's life will be held at Larchmont United Methodist Church, 1101 Jamestown Crescent, Norfolk, VA 23508 on Thursday, March 22 at 1 p.m. A reception at the church's Fellowship Hall will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hager's name to Old Dominion University scholarship programs she initiated and supported. The first is the Jane Hager Endowed Scholarship in Literacy in the Darden College of Education. Donations for this scholarship should be sent to the Old Dominion University Educational Foundation, 4417 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA 23529. The second is the Warren Endowed Scholarship for Women Student-Athletes. Donations should be sent to the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation, 4417 Monarch Way, Norfolk, VA 23529.
Hager's full obituary, and guest book, may be viewed at the H.D. Oliver website.