Update: Chemistry Department announces the death of Jeffery Seyler, professor of chemistry and former chair of the Chemistry Department: “His Chemistry Department family at USI would like to extend our sincerest condolences to all his family and friends.” The announcement was made Saturday on USI’s Chemistry Department’s social media pages.

President Ronald Rochon emailed news of the death of a faculty member from the Chemistry Department to the campus community Friday morning. 

The long-tenured faculty member was found unresponsive in a campus lab Thursday evening, Rochon said. 

Rochon said “While an investigation into the cause of death is underway, there does not appear to be any foul play.” 

He said to take the time to “hug your loved ones” over winter break as the Fall 2021 semester ends Friday. Rochon placed a list of campus and community resources at the end of his email. 

Students who need support can contact the Dean of Students Office at [email protected] or the Counseling and Psychological Services at 812-464-1867. 

The university provides a confidential employee assistance program for eligible employees and their families. Employees can contact Deaconess CONCERN at 812-471-4611. 

“We are a caring community,” Rochon said. “And when one member is lost, it affects us all.”