Dr. Shannon Beth Harper Memoriam

It is with a sad heart that I start one more semester without Professor Shannon Beth Harper. I was on the search committee that brought her to our campus. She was from day one a fundamental addition to Latino/a Studies, designing new courses and publishing consequential articles about intimate partner violence in the top journals in her field. Most importantly, I miss our conversations, her intelligence, and her kindness. She was a foundational part of our revamped program.  She supported her students exemplarily. Her loss was deeply felt by all, especially the students that had looked forward to working with her in outreach capacity. Some heartfelt remembrances are shared below. She remains remembered and missed.  If anyone wishes to add to her tribute wall, please go to https://www.desmoinescremation.com/obituaries/Shannon-Beth-Harper?obId=45431868

“As Professor Shannon Harper’s faculty mentor, I saw firsthand her dedication to her research, students, and service to the ISU community. Dr. Harper made a tremendous contribution to the understanding of intimate partner violence, particularly among women of color. Her classes opened students’ eyes to consequential topics such as human trafficking. She approached departmental matters with common sense and grace, and she mentored graduate students with intellectual curiosity and kindness. I will miss our “mentoring” lunches where she patiently listened as I rambled on giving her advice about issues she had well in hand. I feel a glimmer of Shannon (and Gwen) as I walk by her office on the third floor of East Hall. I hope she enjoyed her time with us. We enjoyed having her. She is greatly missed.”

-Dr. Susan Stewart

“Professor Shannon Harper was a remarkable educator whose presence shaped so much of my journey at Iowa State University. I had the privilege of taking her courses ever since my freshman year, and from the very beginning, she made every student feel seen and supported. She always encouraged us to visit her during office hours, not just for academic help, but so she could truly get to know us and build meaningful connections. Not only was she a Professor, but she was a friend. Shannon played a major role in helping me secure an internship with L.U.N.A. in Des Moines, an opportunity that changed the course of my academic and professional path. Professor Harper was the kind of person who helped anyone who needed it, always greeting everyone with a warm smile that made her classroom feel like a welcoming place. She will be deeply missed, but her kindness, mentorship, and impact will stay with me forever.”

-Vanessa Chavez Tellez (USLS minor and ambassador)

“Shannon Harper was a kind professor who engaged me within the Latino community and expanded my knowledge within my USLS minor. Professor Harper also ensured that the classroom was a safe space where everyone felt welcomed, and made me excited to participate in group discussions. She would also share heartfelt documentaries that opened my eyes and guided me to research other career paths, such as advocacy. She was dedicated to helping all her students, including me, as she helped me develop an internship that aligned with my interests and her knowledge within Latinx victimization. Shannon Harper will be missed, but her work will continue on.”

-Kaitlyn Guadarrama (USLS minor and ambassador)