It is with profound gratitude and heartfelt admiration that I celebrate the life and lasting legacy of our cherished colleague, Joan Kite.
Joan served with distinction as the Research Communications Editor in the Office for Research and Innovation at Meharry. From the moment she joined us in November 2022, she brought a rare and remarkable blend of journalistic integrity, creative brilliance, and deep compassion to everything she touched. With over four decades of experience as an editor, writer, photographer, designer, and storyteller, she transformed our communications into compelling narratives that captured the spirit of Meharry’s mission. Her words gave voice to our researchers and students, elevating their work and illuminating the purpose of Meharry with clarity and purpose.
Many of Joan’s pieces were featured in the Meharry Digest. Through her thoughtful stewardship of our Research and Innovation communications, she helped shape how the world sees the groundbreaking work of our scholars and learners.
Joan’s journey is rooted in a lifelong devotion to truth, education, health, and community. From her early years as a crime reporter in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, to leading agricultural communications at Tennessee State University, and ultimately to her contributions at Meharry, she remained an unflinching advocate for healthcare research and the public good. She believed in the power of storytelling to change hearts, uplift voices, and spark understanding.
Joan was more than a colleague—she was a mentor, team player, and a creative force. Her warmth, wit, and wisdom touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Whether behind the camera or at her desk, Joan worked with humility and heart. Her absence is deeply felt—not only across our campus but in every life her words and presence touched.
We extend our deepest condolences to Joan’s family, friends, and all who walked with her on this remarkable journey. As we honor her memory today, we recommit ourselves to the values she embodied: integrity in storytelling, advocacy in service, and compassion in leadership.
May her soul rest in peace. May her words, her passion, and legacy continue to guide and inspire us.
With gratitude and remembrance,
Anil Shanker, M.S., Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation
Meharry Medical College
It is with profound gratitude and heartfelt admiration that I celebrate the life and lasting legacy of our cherished colleague, Joan Kite.
Joan served with distinction as the Research Communications Editor in the Office for Research and Innovation at Meharry. From the moment she joined us in November 2022, she brought a rare and remarkable blend of journalistic integrity, creative brilliance, and deep compassion to everything she touched. With over four decades of experience as an editor, writer, photographer, designer, and storyteller, she transformed our communications into compelling narratives that captured the spirit of Meharry’s mission. Her words gave voice to our researchers and students, elevating their work and illuminating the purpose of Meharry with clarity and purpose.
Many of Joan’s pieces were featured in the Meharry Digest. Through her thoughtful stewardship of our Research and Innovation communications, she helped shape how the world sees the groundbreaking work of our scholars and learners.
Joan’s journey is rooted in a lifelong devotion to truth, education, health, and community. From her early years as a crime reporter in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, to leading agricultural communications at Tennessee State University, and ultimately to her contributions at Meharry, she remained an unflinching advocate for healthcare research and the public good. She believed in the power of storytelling to change hearts, uplift voices, and spark understanding.
Joan was more than a colleague—she was a mentor, team player, and a creative force. Her warmth, wit, and wisdom touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Whether behind the camera or at her desk, Joan worked with humility and heart. Her absence is deeply felt—not only across our campus but in every life her words and presence touched.
We extend our deepest condolences to Joan’s family, friends, and all who walked with her on this remarkable journey. As we honor her memory today, we recommit ourselves to the values she embodied: integrity in storytelling, advocacy in service, and compassion in leadership.
May her soul rest in peace. May her words, her passion, and legacy continue to guide and inspire us.
With gratitude and remembrance,
Anil Shanker, M.S., Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation
Meharry Medical College