Jessica Mittler, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Health Administration, passed away in February, marking a profound loss for the VCU College of Health Professions and the broader field of health services research.

For more than a decade, Mittler shaped the department through her scholarship, teaching and unwavering commitment to students. Her work focused on patient-centered care and the transformation required to improve experiences across the U.S. health care system.

Mittler taught undergraduate and graduate students with an energy that made complex policy questions feel urgent and exciting. She challenged pupils to think deeply, assume good intentions and connect theory with real-world practice. Colleagues remember her as a generous collaborator and a trusted voice whose insights elevated conversations and strengthened the department.

In recognition of her excellence in the classroom, Mittler received the College of Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award in 2020. Yet those who knew her best say her greatest legacy lies in how she made people feel: seen, valued and capable of more than they thought possible.

The Health Administration Class of 2026 dedicated its class gift to Mittler’s memory, planting a crape myrtle tree on campus marked with a commemorative plaque. “She taught us about how health isn't just something that happens within the clinic or hospital but is shaped by the outside world, and how that should lead us to go where the need is greatest,” said Madison Espiritu, MHA, a member of the cohort’s executive team. “We thought a tree would be a great way to honor that memory.”

Following Mittler’s passing, colleagues, students and loved ones shared reflections on an online message board honoring her memory. Together, their words paint a portrait of a scholar and friend whose influence endures.

On her intellectual brilliance and scholarship

“Jessica was the embodiment of what’s best about research and a scholarly life. She was the perfect combination of whip smart, broadly read, and effusive and joyful about engaging, exploring, and generating ideas.” — Tim Vogus

“I LOVED watching how Jessica's mind worked! Her contributions everywhere always challenged me to think deeper and were offered with the most profound humility.” — Kelsey White

“It was a delight to listen to Jessica—to see her mind at work weaving so much knowledge, skill, and just plain brain power into logical and substantive thoughts.” — Jan Clement

On her teaching and mentorship

“Her first class… was a wonderfully engaging whirlwind of activity and thought provocation. It was a crash course on health policy and it hit us all like a bolt of lightning.” — Kate Best

“Dr. Mittler was a multiplier! …her tireless counseling and genuine jubilance for the subjects she taught lifted up everyone's capacity to reach [the] goals [she set for them].” — David Risden

On her character and warmth

“Connecting with Jessica felt seamless; she had the ability and gift of being a fast friend to others, as though she had known you for a long time.” — Patrick Shay

“Her creativity and joyous approach to life… almost always made me a little happier and optimistic after talking with her.” — Paul Cleary

“You weren’t just a colleague to me. You were like a sister. I’ll carry those everyday moments with me and I’ll miss you always.” — Shu-Fang Shih