03/06/2017
Message from Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III
Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Dean, School of Graduate Studies, LSUHSC-New Orleans:
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the loss of H. Adele Spence, PhD, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology and Associate Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Dr. Spence passed away this morning, after a long illness.
Dr. Spence joined our faculty in 1959 and gave many years of service to our students, faculty, university and her discipline. She taught students in all of our schools. Her research contributed to our knowledge of various strains of influenza, as well as other infections, including vibrio cholera. The Louisiana Board of Regents tapped her to work on Health Manpower Planning for the state.
A beloved faculty member, Dr. Spence was named Best Pre-Clinical Professor. Her other honors include the Mendelshon Leadership Award, Kimble Medical Technology Research Award, ASMT Board of Directors Award, as well as being elected President of Alpha Mu Tau National Medical Technology Services Fraternity and being named Medical Technologist of the Year in Louisiana. She was also recognized by American Men and Women of Science and Who’s Who in American Women.
At the national level, she served on the Review Board and various committees of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Accreditation, the Board of Directors of the American Society for Medical Technology, the Coordinating Council for Clinical Laboratory Technologists, the Board of Trustees of the ASMT Education and Research Fund, the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Medical Technology, and as Representative to the Board of Schools of Medical Technology of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
