Contents of Emma's Board (Mission 2)

Prof. Jessica E. Reeves PHD

1902-1958

Prof. Jessica Reeves died on November 6th at the age of fifty-six. Her untimely death, due to a tragic fire in her home, came at a period when her research had become very productive, and has been a shock and great loss to all of her friends and colleagues. Prof. Reeves moved to Raleigh in 1922 where she later received her early education at North Carolina State College, becoming one of the first female students to be awarded a bachelor of science in 1927 specializing in mathematics and physics. In 1926 she was awarded honors in physics, and in 1929, despite reservations surrounding her gender, she was appointed a junior lecturer in physics. During this time she continued to pursue her doctorate in astrophysics and was eventually awarded the degree of doctor of science in 1933 for her thesis on this work. Also during her studies she met and was united in marriage to Sgt. Jack Reeves on Apr. 14, 1934. He died in the line of duty in 1942 during a bombing raid and was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star. Like her husband, Prof. Reeves volunteered her services to the war effort, serving in the allied Union Defense Force overseas.

Following the war, Prof. Reeves continued working overseas in a lab as a researcher and later rejoined the North Carolina State College staff in 1950. Despite the very heavy teaching duties which the staff undertook on account of the large number of ex-servicemen returning home from the war, she continued with her research into astrophysics and negative energies.

In 1954 the staff of the Department of Physics agreed to form a team working together in her specific field of experimental and theoretical physics, of which she was appointed chair, which she held until her untimely death. In addition to teaching and research, Prof. Reeves played a large part in other University activities, while outside the University she found time for many scientific and public services. Her most important cause and contribution being the recruitment of women into the various fields of science. Friends and colleagues will remember her warmth, lively wit, and perseverance.

A memorial service will be held November 16th at the First United Methodist Church in Cary.