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Joanna Kirk, Professor of Sociology, political sociology researcher, and cherished mother and wife, passed away January 12th, 2021. She was 57. 

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Jo was born in 1963 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and grew up in NW England in Lancashire and Cumbria. Always academically driven, she completed her MA in jurisprudence (law) at Hertford College, Oxford University in 1984, and went on to accomplish a post graduate diploma in jurisprudence at the College of Europe in Belgium in 1985.

In 1985 Joís adventuring spirit then took her to Colombo, Sri Lanka where she taught at an international school. There she met Chuck, who was in USG foreign service managing agricultural projects. They married in Sri Lanka in 1988 and traveled together to a long-term USG posting in Nepal, followed by a Washington D.C. assignment, before moving to their farm in Nunda, NY. where they have resided since 1995.

Jo was a full-time professor at ºÚÁÏÍø teaching in the faculty of the Sociology and Political Science departments. Her service at the college began in 1997 as editor and principal writer for college advancement publications. Joís love for teaching drew her into the classroom where she was in her element interacting with the bright, motivated students of ºÚÁÏÍø, and she received awards for her dedicated teaching.

Jo also had a passion for Yoga, which she studied for many years and taught regular classes in both Nunda and Geneseo, NY.

Jo embarked on so many adventures and projects throughout her life, there are too many to recall within the limits of an obituary. She was a bright, warm, loving soul who drew people together, and she will be much missed by students, friends and family all over the world.