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By: Kate Hensley | November 9, 2026
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is mourning the loss of Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Communication Chandra Massner, Ph.D., who passed away on November 8.
For more than 30 years, Professor Massner shared her passion for communication with the UPIKE community. Her relational approach to leadership and education fostered deep, meaningful connections with students that extended well beyond their time on “the hill.”
“To say Chan was a cherished member of the UPIKE family is an understatement. She was profoundly dedicated to her students, her colleagues and the entire campus community,” UPIKE President Burton Webb said in a statement to campus. “Her warmth, compassion, passion for teaching and unwavering support for students touched hundreds of lives across a tenure that spanned almost 31 years. Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts and on our campus.”
As an educator and advisor, Massner was known for her holistic approach to student support, guiding students throughout their academic careers and continuing to encourage them long after graduation. She described her leadership style as relational, emphasizing purposeful listening and leading with empathy to ensure students felt supported and inspired. Her lasting commitment to the communication program and its graduates was evident each year when alumni eagerly returned to campus to participate in her communication alumni panel.
Massner’s leadership and influence extended throughout the university and beyond. She served in numerous roles including chair of the Division of Social Sciences, faculty chair, coordinator of the undergraduate communication program and the strategic communication master’s program, and co-director of the honors program. She also served as chair of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum committees, as well as a member of the executive committee, faculty policy committee and general education committee. Serving as the liaison and seminar faculty leader of the Washington Center was of special importance to Massner. She took over this role after the retirement of her dear friend and colleague Nancy Cade in 2024.
There will be an on-campus memorial chapel service on Tuesday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m., in Chrisman Auditorium. Funeral services will be held at Middendorf Funeral Home in Fort Wright, Ky., on Thursday, November 12, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. A celebration of life service is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, in Chrisman Auditorium at 3:00 p.m.
In celebration of her legacy and at the request of her colleagues, the Dr. Chandra Massner Memorial Scholarship Endowment has been established. Gifts to this endowment will provide lasting support for future students, ensuring that her dedication to education, passion for teaching and commitment to others continue to make a difference for generations to come.
For more information, visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofPikeville/dr-chandra-massner-memorial-scholarship-endowment
The university community extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and former students during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by the UPIKE family.