MTSU News and Media Relations Communications Specialist Gina Fann passed away at her home Aug. 3 following an extended illness. She was 60.

Gina was an alumna of MTSU’s School of Journalism and deeply loved her alma mater. She brought tremendous passion and expertise to her work in telling the many great stories over the years about our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters.

Gina was a meticulous editor and gifted writer, and in particular, her detailed work in researching and chronicling the exploits of our award-winning alumni in capturing Grammys and other musical awards leaves a content legacy of great benefit to our University. Her stellar promotional work as a member of the MTSU Blood Drive Committee supported the many successful blood drives over the years to save lives throughout our community.

Gina covered education, courts, government, the military, transportation and technology as a writer and editor for Tennessee media for nearly two decades before moving into higher education and legal publishing. That journalistic background informed her worldview, specifically one that deeply believed in equality, social justice and advocacy for the less fortunate.

She joined the Office of News and Media Relations in 2004 and edited The Record, the university’s award-winning official publication, until its retirement in June 2011. She edited and produced content for MTSUNews.com and external media through her coverage of the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Media and Entertainment.

Her almost two decades of service at the University will not be forgotten, and it was an honor being her colleague as she bravely battled through health challenges in recent years while still producing quality work and tapping that distinct Southern charm she was known for with whomever she encountered. 

Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 19, at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Road, Woodbury, Tenn. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Memorial services will follow directly after at 11 a.m. in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. The Rev. Jeff Reynolds will officiate, and interment will be in Cothran Cemetery.

You can read her obituary here: https://www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com/obituaries/gina-fann.

The Office of News and Media Relations extends our thoughts and prayers to her family. She will be greatly missed.

Jimmy Hart

Senior Director

MTSU News and Media Relations