Former MSU psychology professor Dr. James Gotsick dies

Morehead State University is mourning the passing of long-time and beloved psychology professor Dr. James E. Gotsick, who died Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 86.    

A native of Kaska, Pennsylvania, Gotsick earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate from Syracuse University. He served as a research associate in psychology at Purdue University and as a research associate in psychiatry at the University of Kentucky.  

Gotsick came to MSU as a faculty member in 1968. As a psychology professor, he was well-liked by students, held high standards in the classroom, and was known for allowing them to bring 3x5 notecards filled with notes for his exams. He taught both undergraduate and graduate-level courses, was the author and co-author of numerous articles in professional publications, received multiple research grants, and presented his papers for various scientific conferences and meetings.   

Gotsick held appointments as dean of the Graduate and Extended Campus program and dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. He served as director of Graduate and Special Academic Programs and interim director for the Appalachian Graduate Consortium in partnership with Pikeville University (then Pikeville College) in 1991.  

He was the recipient of the 1986 Distinguished Researcher Award and the 1990 Distinguished Teacher Award, only the second person to receive both honors at the time. Gotsick was granted emeritus status in 1997 and continued teaching part-time until he officially retired from MSU in 2001.  

He is survived by his wife, Priscilla, and his children, Timothy, Katie and Jonathan, as well as their spouses and four grandchildren.  

Arrangements are pending.