Dr. Phyllis Printz

Dr. Jan Printz Dr. Phyllis Jean "Jan" Printz died at home on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, after an illness. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing. She was born on April 27, 1927, in Billings, Mont., and moved to Chattanooga in 1958. She was professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee, where she taught for 25 years as a psychology professor and served as Human Services department chair. Her professional experience also included service as the executive director of the Mental Health Association, Association of Day Care Agencies, psychological examiner for Family Services Agency (now the Partnership), Dean of Women at the University of Kansas City, Psychologist at State Hospital #2 in St. Joe, Missouri, Planning Consultant at Metropolitan Council (now Ochs Center), and many years as consultant and trainer at Childrens Home/Chambliss Shelter (now the Chambliss Center for Children). She served on the Tennessee Governors Committee on Day Care and Governors Task Force on Mental Health, and was board member emeritus at Signal Centers. Dr. Printz was elected to the Chattanooga (city) school board (19891997), where she was a member of the Chattanooga Public Schools Curriculum Task Force, among others. She was also an active member of the Tennessee School Board Association during this time and received a Level VI Certification. Dr. Printz also served on the Hamilton County Children Services Committee, Domestic Violence Coalition, and United Way of Chattanooga Allocations Committee. She served as president of the board of directors, Volunteer Community School, and in her earlier years was vice-president of the board of directors, Adult Education Council. She was also active in American Association of University Women, National Alumni Association, Tennessee Association of Young Children, League of Women Voters, and Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, among others. She was the recipient of many awards, including a certificate of appreciation from Governor Lamar Alexander, Alumni Public Service Award (1974), Chattanooga Association of the Young Child Service Award, Service Award from Hamilton County Commissioners (1997), Chattanooga Area Preschool Council Outstanding Public Service Award (1981), and Regional Head Start Service Award (1983). She also conducted hundreds of workshops and training sessions on child development, Head Start, day care licensing, children of poverty, and women's issues in the workplace, among other topics. She authored many position papers, professional articles, letters to the editors, and op-ed pieces for local newspapers. She was an avid gardener and an avid bridge player. She served as the Director of The Bridge Center (Chattanooga) novice game for many years. Survivors include her daughters, Kim Printz, Lindy (Ron) Johnson, and Laurie (Keith) Mitchell; and a son, Clay Printz (Aimee Cotter). She is also survived by her grandson, Alex Milstead, and a granddaughter, Virginia (Dallas) Tompkins; a great-grandson, Jasper Tompkins; and a stepgranddaughter, Effie Johnson. She also was an "other" mother for many. She loved life, her family, her friends, her cat Patches, and her dogs, Ginger and Snaps. A celebration of her life will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory with donations to the Signal Centers of Chattanooga or to Chambliss Center for Children.