Storms died unexpectedly over the weekend at age 34.
Texas Tech University's College of Human Sciences is deeply saddened by the loss of Kristie Storms, an assistant professor of practice in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE), who died this weekend at age 34.
Storms had a passion for FCSE, and her colleagues remember her as a bright light who was always willing to help others. She was described as an inspiration to all who met her and one who will leave a lasting legacy with her students and the Family and Consumer Sciences profession.
College of Human Sciences Dean Tim Dodd expressed his condolences at hearing the news.
"In her short time as a professor of practice in our college, Kristie made a lasting impact," Dodd said. "She was known by students as a caring teacher who loved making a difference in the lives of others. We mourn the loss of such a beloved member of our faculty, and we will miss her tremendously."
Storms served as a family and consumer sciences educator for more than 12 years before joining Texas Tech as an instructor in 2018. She completed her bachelor's degree in FCSE at South Dakota State University and her master's degree in teaching and learning at Northern State University. She was a doctoral candidate in FCSE at Texas Tech.
"Kristie was an amazing, accomplished woman who had a love for life like no other and a passion for teaching, her students, family and consumer sciences education, and serving others," said FCSE program chair Karen Alexander. "There will forever be someone missing for me at Texas Tech. I was blessed by her friendship and honored to work with her on her dissertation. She was one of the most creative individuals I have ever met. She was always thinking about how she could be more innovative than she already was and how she could keep moving our program forward.
"She accomplished so many goals in her time with FCSE to make our program stronger for our students. She challenged her students daily for their best, and she inspired her colleagues to give their best in teaching, research and service. I am a better teacher and FCSE professional because of her. I will miss her terribly."
Kyle Roberson, an assistant professor of FCSE, was a classmate of Storms' in the doctoral program.
"Kristie Storms was not only my colleague and classmate, but more importantly, my friend," Roberson said. "She had such a wonderful way of making everyone around her feel special. She was special, and anyone who knew her would say the same. She will be missed by family, friends, colleagues and students alike. Her level of passion for Family and Consumer Sciences was unbelievable. She had an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm for our profession. I believe if Kristie could ask one thing, it would be that everyone find it in their heart to help those they can. That was Kristie's mantra; always helping others."
Information regarding Storms' memorial service will be shared when it becomes available.
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