THE CONTRIBUTORS

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Colley said. “They were what he came to school every day to shape and ensure that we have the best possible course of career after we graduated.”

Another former student of his who can attest to this is Lindsey Kelley. She is now a lecturer and technical director with The School of Theatre and Dance at James Madison University in Virginia.

After suffering from burn-out in theatre production while in Alabama, Kelley came back to Hattiesburg to work at a local restaurant. There, she ran into Rackoff and his wife, Beth. Rackoff encouraged Kelley to come back to USM to continue her master’s. She is exceptionally grateful for his encouragement.

“I would not be where I am today without Lou finding me at that diner and asking me to come back,” Kelley said.

University administrators also gave high remarks to the late theatre teacher, like Chris Winstead, Dean of the College of Arts and

Sciences.

“I fondly remember how he always welcomed me with a smile and took the time to help me understand his work and that of his fellow faculty and students. He will be missed beyond measure,” Winstead said in a statement from his office.

Despite his absence, his presence and impact are still felt by many.

“He is still living in this department. His presence is here, and it will remain here for decades, I am sure,” Colley said.

“Southern Miss folks are everywhere. So, for him to have reached so many people all across the industry, not only has he made a difference here at Southern Miss, but he’s made a difference in the industry and for the people who are currently working and teaching in the industry,” Kelley said.

Rackoff joined USM’s faculty in 2004. He earned his BA in Theatre/Mass Communications from Queens College in New York City in 1969 and an MFA in Stage Directing from the University of Wisconsin in 1974. He is survived by his wife, Beth Slaby.