Springfield attorney, Virginia Fry, passed away Sunday night, according to a statement MSU President Clif Smart made on Twitter Monday morning. Crista Hogan, executive director of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, said Fry had been treated for cancer, but her death was unexpected.
"Her death has been a tremendous, staggering shock to many in the community," Hogan said. "She was just such a force and had so many connections to so many organizations that people are just in disbelief today."
Fry served on MSU’s Board of Governors from 2013 until her death. She served as vice chair during the first few months of 2017 and was board chair from mid 2017 through the end of the year.
In a statement sent to media Monday Smart said, “We lost a visionary and pioneering leader last night when Virginia Fry passed away. She was a tremendous board member and chair at Missouri State and a great friend. We will all miss her.”
Fry was a partner in Husch Blackwell. She had bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Missouri State and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
Fry helped pave the way for women in the field of law, according to Logan. "She broke the glass ceiling in about a million pieces."
“Virginia was very dedicated to Missouri State,” said Board Chair Carrie Tergin in the statement. “I was honored to serve with Virginia as the first team of women to lead the board in the university’s history. We will miss her personally and professionally.”
