OXFORD, Miss. – University of Mississippi faculty, staff and administrators have warm memories of Susan Lynn Mossing of Oxford, a colleague, mentor and friend who passed recently.
Mossing, 55, died in late November at her home. Employed for several years in the university’s Academic Support Center, she most recently served as the associate director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Her funeral mass was held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Oxford.
Friends remember Mossing as a genuine spirit who was passionate about helping students and improving their conditions in whatever ways she could.
“Sue had a very good way of connecting with people in ways that were deep and meaningful,” said Marc Showalter, director of the University Counseling Center and a friend for more than a decade. “She always made me feel like I was important, honored me with her friendship and made me a better person.
“I will miss Sue’s smile, warmth and the sparkle in her eyes. I believe she made Ole Miss a better place for everyone.”
Rebekha Reysen, CETL learning specialist, said Mossing was a great mentor and supervisor.
“Sue was always supportive,” said Reysen, who met Mossing in 2006. “She was always willing to assist people whenever she saw that they were struggling.”
Born in South Haven, Mich., Mossing lived in Oxford since 1998. Valedictorian of her Bangor High School class, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Business Administration from Boston University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling from UM.
During her career at UM, Mossing developed and coordinated several programs for students struggling with the transition to college. Her role was instrumental in several students’ success, colleagues said.
“She was like a loving parent who consistently showed she cared and gave support whenever it was needed,” Showalter said. “Sue was totally committed to the idea of trying to make a difference for students.”
Mossing was also heavily involved in the community, serving as a Parent Teacher Organization president, Girl Scout leader, library assistant, community and high school swim team volunteer, classroom reading assistant and president of the Oxford High School Band Boosters.
“Sue was dedicated,” said Suzanne Wilkin of Oxford, who worked with Mossing in the OHS Band Boosters. “She so wanted and worked for the kids to have whatever they needed. She was a quiet yet remarkable person who helped as many people as she could.”
Mossing was also known to keep an eye on the bottom line when working for the organization.
“Sue was very kind, but also very firm,” said Linda Sabatier of Oxford. “We worked concessions together last year and a couple of times, she made sure that we didn’t give away the store by offering customers more than their money’s worth.”
Mossing’s dedication to helping people began with her own family.
“Sue was incredibly proud of all of her children,” Showalter said. “She saw them as individuals and appreciated each of their strengths. I remember her face would light up anytime someone asked her about any of them. She was a rare spirit.”
Survivors include her husband, Michael Mossing of Oxford, UM associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry; three sons: Christopher Mossing of New Orleans, Daniel Mossing of Princeton, N.J., and Samuel Mossing of Oxford; a daughter, Caroline Mossing of San Antonio, Texas; her mother, Rita Starbuck of Bangor, Mich.; and 13 siblings, Mary Starkbuck of Bangor, Mich., Jim Starbuck of Niles, Mich., Sharon Sears and Sandy Doan, both of Stevensville, Mich., Betty Huffman of Bangor, Rich Starbuck of Grand Haven, Mich., Bill Starbuck of Mattawan, Mich., Kathy Anderson, Steve Starbuck and Lori Reo, all of Paw Paw, Mich., John Starbuck of Bloomingdale, Mich., Janet Lancaster of Vardaman and Jo Starbuck of Gobles, Mich.
Memorials can be made to the Susan Mossing Fund for Student Success, c/o The University of Mississippi Foundation, P.O. Box 249, University, MS 38677.
By Edwin Smith