By: Ellie Simmers | Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Jill Lucas, a beloved professor of Exercise Physiology and Public Health at the University of Lynchburg, passed away on April 2, 2026, at the age of 41.
Dr. Sean Collins, a fellow professor and close colleague, reflected on Lucas’ unwavering dedication throughout her time at the university.
“She truly wanted our students to succeed and was willing to go above and beyond to help them reach their goals. She always knew what was going on with the students and alumni as they moved on to bigger and better things, and was so proud watching them succeed,” said Collins.
Beyond her dedication to student success, Lucas brought a vibrant enthusiasm to her teaching and community.
“She would bring fun and off-topic material into the class to get the students talking and engaged, like “Fat Bear Week,’” said Collins, sharing how she would bring students into the world of bear fattening and how she would have each class vote on which bear would win the yearly contest.
Her warmth extended far beyond academics, touching everyone around her.
“She would always organize a card signing for big events, like birthdays, for our colleagues and friends in the EXPH and AT departments. To go with it, she was a phenomenal baker who would pair the celebratory cards with a sweet treat for everyone to share,” said Collins.
The genuine care and passion Lucas had for her students left a lasting impression on many.
For students like Janae Sanabria, a junior studying exercise physiology, Lucas was so much more than a professor to her; she was a lifeline during difficult times.
“I was recently having a tough time. Just an overall hard time. Despite doing my best to hide it, she noticed and spent time in her day to check on my wellbeing and work with me to make a comeback,” said Sanabria. “She always had time for us. I don’t think I would’ve bounced back as fast if it wasn’t for her added support and understanding. She always supported us without knowing what we were going through.”
This deep care for her students was matched by a lifelong passion rooted in her own athletic journey. She attended Furman University, where she joined the cross country team and went on to help establish the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (F.I.R.S.T.).
“She was an avid fan of track and field (T&F), and we regularly talked about the current events and drama in the T&F world as it blended so well into our classes,” said Collins, reminiscing on ‘talking shop’ with Lucas outside of class.
Lucas went on to earn her Masters degree in Exercise and Sport Science/Exercise Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Georgia.
Lucas’ joy and passion for teaching and athletics were contagious.
Kate Charlton, a junior exercise physiology major, described Lucas as a “one-of-a-kind professor who positively influenced all of us.”
“Being one of her students has been one of the best experiences through this program from the pure joy Dr. Lucas would have from teaching the classes and seeing her students everyday,” said Sophia Dacruz, a junior exercise physiology major.
To Brylynn Gilbert, another junior in the program, Lucas was like family.
“She made this program feel like a family and acted as a mother figure. I hope she knew how much she meant to all of us,” said Gilbert.
Dr. Jill Lucas’ legacy lives on in the countless students she nurtured and colleagues she supported.
A celebration of life will be held in honor of Dr. Lucas on April 27, 2026 at 4 p.m. in Snidow Chapel. For those who cannot attend, it will be live-streamed here.
For those impacted by the loss of Dr. Lucas and who need support during this time, visit Spiritual Life.