MSU mourns longtime faculty member and community volunteer

Edward George Nass, an educator, faculty mentor, and champion of Morehead State University athletics, passed away on April 22, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was 89.

Born August 29, 1935, in New Orleans, Nass was the son of the late Adele Anne Gowland. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Northwestern State University. Between degrees, he served his country in the U.S. Army, completing basic training and continuing as a reservist. 

Nass began his long and impactful career at MSU as an instructor and later as an associate professor of industrial education and technology. He retired in 2002 and maintained emeritus status for several years afterward. He also served as faculty advisor to Sigma Tau Epsilon and Delta Tau Delta fraternities.

Outside the classroom, Nass was a fixture in the MSU athletics community. He volunteered as a defensive statistician for the Eagles football team for over 50 years and supported numerous athletic programs, especially smaller teams that needed resources.

Deeply engaged in the local community, Nass spent decades coaching T-ball and soccer, leading Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and judging science fairs at MSU. His passion for animals made him a generous supporter of Saving the Animals of Rowan (STAR).

He is survived by his two children, Scott Edward Nass of Palm Springs, California, and Kelly Dawn Nass of Toluca Lake, California, who will remember him for his wisdom, humor, and tireless support.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 27, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with a celebration of life beginning at 3 p.m. at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel in Morehead. A burial will follow in Brown Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to STAR at www.stardogrescue.org.

To view a tribute or sign the guestbook, visit www.northcuttandson.com.