Longtime MUW athletic director passes away

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A former longtime Mississippi University for Women athletic director has passed away Monday morning. 

Dr. Jo Spearman first began her career at The W in 1974. She retired in 2005. 

Spearman oversaw the athletic program and its demise after the 2004 tornado hit campus. 

The 77-year-old remained actively involved at MUW, even co-authoring a book about MUW athletics. 

She also saw athletics recently return to campus. 

A memorial service is planned in her honor. It will be held after the first of the year in Columbus.