University Community Extends Sympathy to Mary Susan Power Family
JONESBORO -- The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Dr. Mary Susan Power, who died Aug. 9. The tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library will be lighted scarlet Thursday evening, Aug. 26, as a memorial tribute to her.
Power joined the political science faculty in 1968 and retired in 2000, at which time she was named emeritus professor of political science in recognition of her 32 years of service. During the university's centennial celebration in 2009-10, she was recognized by the Faculty Association as one of the First 100 Distinguished Faculty of the institution.
Born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, on July 5, 1935 to Younger L. Power and Cleo Boock Power, her family moved to Ilion, New York, where Susan’s father was elected to three terms as mayor. No doubt this sparked her lifelong interest in politics.
Power earned a B.A. from Wells College, her M.A. from Stanford University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. She taught at the University of Arkansas before moving to Jonesboro.
Among her published works was “Before the Convention: Religion and the Founders,“ in which she explored the connections between religious ideas and political philosophy, one of her abiding interests. Many future lawyers, prosecutors, and judges in Arkansas studied under her.
She was active in the Craighead County Republican Party, and was an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1972, 1976 and 1988. Raised as a Lutheran, she converted to Catholicism and was an active member of Blessed Sacrament church in Jonesboro.
Power was predeceased by her parents and one brother. She is survived by her daughter Catherine and three grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, her remains were cremated. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
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