Dr. Jack Follis will always be remembered by those who knew him at the University of St. Thomas. He passed away on January 8, 2026, leaving a lasting impact on students, faculty, and alumni. The university is set to honor him with the prestigious Guinan Distinguished Alumni Award, named after the school’s founding president, Rev. Vincent Joseph Guinan, CSB. This award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities while staying connected to UST.
Dr. Follis truly exemplified these qualities. He first stepped onto the UST campus as a student, earning degrees in mathematics and philosophy before continuing his education with a Master’s in Liberal Arts. Even when he pursued studies elsewhere, UST was always close to his heart.
“UST was his home,” said his sister, Grace Farquhar. “He lived across the street and was deeply involved in everything.” After completing his doctorate, he returned to UST as a professor. For over a decade, he taught biostatistics and mathematics, a field that often intimidated students. Yet, he made the subject approachable with his patient teaching style.
“Statistics can be daunting, but Dr. Follis had a way of explaining it that brought comfort to many,” shared Lee Holm, a longtime friend and director of Academic Advising. His open-door policy encouraged students to seek help, not just with coursework, but with life’s challenges.
One former student, Leslie Barrera, recalls a critical moment during her junior year when she considered leaving school after her father’s death. Dr. Follis urged her to stay, reminding her of her father’s wishes. “He saved my life that day,” she reflected. His guidance often had profound effects on his students, reminding them of their potential.
Barrera described him as “brilliant yet humble.” He had a diverse range of talents—he was a mathematician, a musician, and even a poet. His unique sense of humor made him approachable and beloved by many.
His influence went beyond academics. Dr. Follis loved sports and was actively involved with UST Athletics. He not only played in and refereed intramural sports but also served as the Faculty Athletic Representative. Todd Smith, the director of Athletics, noted, “Dr. Follis dedicated time to our student-athletes. He was a friend and mentor, embodying the qualities we value.”
In a world where many seek the spotlight, Dr. Follis quietly made a difference behind the scenes. As Grace mentioned, “He never needed the limelight; he was happy to support students and the University.”
The Guinan Award seeks to honor those who demonstrate exceptional service, engagement, and integrity—qualities Dr. Follis exhibited throughout his life.
While he achieved much through his degrees and teaching accolades, his greatest legacy lies in the lives he touched. The students who found their footing under his guidance and the colleagues who cherished his friendship are a testament to his lasting influence.
Dr. Follis’s connection to UST is undeniable. As his sister beautifully put it, “When you say Dr. Follis, you think of UST.” The upcoming ceremony will surely reflect the deep appreciation for his contributions and the void his absence leaves.
For more insights into Dr. Follis’s life and legacy, you can read about it on the university’s page, UST Remembers Dr. Jack Follis.
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Dr. Jack Follis,Lee Holm,Athletic Director Todd Smith,Vincent J. Guinan Distinguished Alumnus Award,Success,University of St. Thomas
