Kirk Fuoss

Dear Laurentian Community,

I write today to share the sad news that Kirk Fuoss, Associate Professor Emeritus of Performance and Communication Arts, died unexpectedly on November 8, 2025, at the age of 64.

Kirk joined the St. Lawrence University faculty in 1989 with a vision that helped shape one of the University’s most distinctive and dynamic academic programs. As the founding chair of the Performance and Communication Arts Department, he was instrumental in developing a curriculum rooted in intellectual rigor, creativity, and critical inquiry. He mentored junior colleagues with care and high standards, offered workshops both nationally and internationally to strengthen teaching, and fostered a community of scholars committed to collaborative learning. In recognition of his leadership and scholarship, he was named the inaugural Maurer Professor of Rhetoric and Communication.

A gifted teacher and dedicated mentor, Kirk was widely regarded as a “teacher’s teacher.” He delighted in helping others grow as educators and remained deeply devoted to student-centered learning throughout his career. His students and colleagues remember him for his clarity of thought and enduring enthusiasm for the classroom. Kirk was honored with the Frank P. Piskor Lectureship Award in 2000, and ten years later, received the Louis and Frances Maslow Award, given annually to a faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional care for the education and welfare of the student body. He retired from St. Lawrence in 2023 after 34 years of service.

Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Baylor University, a master’s degree in communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from Louisiana State University. A respected scholar, he published widely, including the book Performing Strikes, Striking Performances, and served as editor of the journal Text and Performance Quarterly.

Outside of academia, Kirk lived fully and joyfully. He was an avid traveler, Broadway enthusiast, and devoted animal lover who especially cherished caring for aging or special-needs animals—including his beloved donkey, Otie. He also enjoyed gardening, alpine skiing, tennis, and cooking elaborate meals with loved ones.

Kirk is survived by his sister Sharon Blair, and her family, including niece Courtney Dunlap and great nephew Cameron; nephew Jared Blair, his wife Jessica, and their children Kayson and Weston; and niece Rachel Raborn Hardin, her husband David, and their son Jace. He was predeceased by his parents, Arlene and Elmer Fuoss, and by his sister Cathy Raborn and her husband Ricky.

He is also survived by his loving partner David P. Whitford, his spouse Randall T.G. Hill, and Randall’s partner Charles F. Shaw.

A Celebration of Life Memorial for Kirk will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, in Gunnison Memorial Chapel. A reception will follow in Herring-Cole. 

Please join us in honoring Kirk’s life by sharing your memories of him on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here.

Sincerely,

Kate Morris