Former advertising professor Alan Fletcher, who was described as a loyal friend by colleagues, died Saturday in his home in Knoxville, Tenn. Fletcher, 68, started teaching at the University in 1985 and retired in 2005. He taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate advertising courses at the Manship School. Fletcher attended the University of Georgia and received a bachelor of arts in journalism and advertising in 1962. He received a master’s in advertising in 1964 and a doctorate in communications in 1969 at the University of Illinois. Throughout his tenure, Fletcher served on several committees and was affiliated with many groups at the University. He served as the president of the Faculty Senate and as an adviser to Kappa Tau Alpha, an honor society for journalism and mass communication students. Louis Day, Manship School professor, was a long time friend of Fletcher. Day first encountered Fletcher at the University of Georgia as a student in one of Fletcher’s classes. “He was the most honest person I have ever met,” Day said. He also said Fletcher was very loyal to the school. Jay Perkins, associate professor at the Manship School, said Fletcher enjoyed being a University professor. “He was very well-respected and very well-liked by his students,” said Ronald Garay, Manship School professor. Garay and Fletcher were colleagues during Fletcher’s tenure at the University, and their families were members of First United Methodist Church in downtown Baton Rouge. Garay said Fletcher loved his family and spoke of them often. Fletcher is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda, and three daughters. Outside of the University, Fletcher enjoyed cooking and building things for his family. “I admired Alan’s dedication and talents as a teacher,” Day said. “My admiration only grew over the years as I watched his students benefit from his wisdom and stewardship.” Day said Fletcher taught thousands of students, and his greatest legacy was the public recognition he gained from his professional success and numerous national and regional awards.
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