Former adjunct professor of architecture Jack Ford died Dec. 31, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga., the LSU School of Architecture reports.
During his time as a professor, Ford was selected as the 2004 Professor-of-the-Year by the students in the School of Architecture.
“For Jack, architecture was more than money,” said assistant professor and undergraduate coordinator Jim Sullivan. “It was a way to make a city or a place better. … He was extremely passionate about the education of young architects.”
Born in Bogalusa, La., in 1962, Ford was the 1980 valedictorian of his high school and went on to graduate from Virginia Tech in 1985 with a bachelor of arts in architecture. Ford studied biology and life sciences at LSU from 1993 to 1996 before joining the LSU School of Architecture. He taught studio and design theory courses as an adjunct professor for 10 years.
While teaching at the University, Ford worked professionally at his own firm, Ford Dickinson AAC, in Baton Rouge. During his time at Ford Dickinson, Ford worked on projects that won local and national awards from the American Institute of Architects.
He moved to Atlanta in 2006 where he served as vice president and healthcare design director of HKS, an internationally recognized healthcare-specialized architecture firm.
Sullivan said Ford was regarded as someone who was great with students as well as faculty. He was often considered by some students as one of the most influential professors they ever had, Sullivan said.
“As a professor, he sensationalized everything he touched, which makes the world a pretty magical place for an architecture student,” said professional-in-residence at the School of Architecture William Doran. “He could make any situation into a design lesson or a life lesson.”
Even after Ford moved to Atlanta, his personality and passion were never forgotten by his co-workers and students.
“Jack was very young and will be greatly missed by many colleagues, former students and family members,” Doran said.
According to the School of Architecture website, any donations should be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association or the AIA Baton Rouge Education Fund.
