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Ava Pugh van Landingham loved her friends, her university, and her community, and she impacted all who had the privilege to know and learn from her.  She was passionate about teaching and dedicated her life to education, scholarship, and serving those who shared her thirst for knowledge.

A Native of Louisville, Mississippi, Dr. Ava Pugh was a consummate educator who inspired hundreds of teachers and their students. In 1980, Ava received her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Mississippi State University with cognates in science education and educational leadership. In 1984, she joined the education faculty of the University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) where she taught generations of undergraduate and graduate students for next four decades.

During her tenure, Dr. Pugh published over 130 research papers and articles and delivered over 300 scholarly presentations at the state, national and international levels.  As a full professor, Dr. Pugh held the Endowed Professorship for Bell South Science Education and served as the Elementary Education Program Coordinator for over 30 years. She retired from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2020.

Dr. Pugh was an active officer of the Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA). She joined the organization as a student and continued to be a member throughout her career where she has served on the board since 1981. Additionally, she has served as President of the MSERA Foundation board since 2008.

Dr. Pugh supported several academic and community organizations including the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), NCATE SPA Elementary Education Chair, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Junior League of Monroe, and the Monroe Garden Club. Her accolades include being acknowledged as the Mississippi Outstanding Science Teacher for 1979 and as the Outstanding Professor for Teaching at ULM in 2005. Her hobbies included cooking, entertaining, traveling, reading, and writing. Her sharp intelligence and wry sense of humor will be keenly missed by her friends and family.

Ava is survived by Ronnie Brent Taylor, John Taylor, David Lee Pugh, Jerry Pugh, Wayne Pugh, Joyce Anne Lewis, Catherine Stokes, Carolyn Johns, and Betty Crowson.  Ava was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ted van Landingham and by her parents, Fay and Rachel Pugh.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Dr. Pugh can be made to the Mid-South Educational Research Association Foundation which supports Ava’s lifelong dedication to scientific scholarship.  Donations may be made through the Foundation on this page.