Jacksonville State University on Wednesday announced longtime university photographer Opal R. Lovett passed away on Sunday. The Sylacauga native began working at JSU in 1950 and served as the university photographer for 36 years.
University President Bill Meehan said in a Wednesday statement that Lovett was instrumental in providing photographs for public relations releases as well as the university newspaper The Chanticleer. Lovett retired from JSU in 1986 but remained active in teaching young people the skills of storytelling and writing.
Lovett and his late wife, a former JSU English instructor, were presented with a meritorious service award from JSU in 2001 for their work with the school. Opal R. Lovett was 91.