In Memoriam: Virginia Alice Price Shands Covington, 1929-2013

Virginia Shands Covington, former professor of speech communication at the University of Southern Mississippi, died late last month at her home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was 84 years old.

Professor Covington held degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Before joining the faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi, she taught at Mississippi College in Clinton and what is now William Carey University in Hattiesburg.

“Dr. Covington was a special person; a consummate professional who was graceful and witty,” said Dr. Charles Tardy, chairman of the Southern Miss Department of Communication Studies. “To all she was kind and thoughtful. Students loved her and colleagues respected and admired her.”