James E. Foy

Dean Foy "saved me" from myself as a young student where I maintained great grades, but just wouldn't "do right" in some other particulars. A wonderful, caring man!! Steve Salter 1968

Dean Foy "saved" me on several occasions---I was on his "lists": academic excellence leading to a scholarship to law school; and that "other" list: continuous misbehavior. He was a kind and gentle soul who actually listened to his flock. RIP Dean Foy!

He was a special man in all our lives; he "saved a poor wretch like me"---literally! I was on the Dean's "list" ...two ways: great academics; poor "conduct." After one incident nearing my Junior year, my transgression found me being expelled and Jim, Dean Foy, helped me navigate those troubled waters including introducing me to Dean Philpott who graciously re-instated me! I would not have finished college, let alone get a scholarship to law school----and now have been practicing successfully...

My best memory of Dean Foy was when I was a freshman at Auburn in 1963. I so clearly remember how Dean Foy would always smile and speak any time you passed him on the sidewalks of Auburn. He was the very epitome of what a "dean of students" should be. Anyone attending Auburn in the past 40+ years owes him a huge debt of gratitude for his incredible contributions to our great school.

My fondest memory of Dean Foy was one night when all the boys from Magnolia Dorms decided to go to the Quad and have a "panty raid"...all we did was make a lot of noise and try to get the girls to throw out some underwear. Dean Foy got wind of the activity and came out with his bullhorn blaring "I know every one of you...you need to be studying so go back to your dorm right now"...and we did! Everyone loved and respected Dean Foy. He always lived the Auburn Creed. He will be missed.

I will never forget the joy I always felt when I saw Dean Foy. Once, on a weekend away from Auburn, I was in the SAE house at GA Tech when the door opened and in walked Dean Foy with Susan Foy. I looked at him, he looked at me--a total stranger to him--and somehow he knew to say "War Eagle" to me. I'll never know how he knew to do that. It's been more years than I care to remember since that day, but I still carry the memory of his joyful face and wonderful smile. All of us who were at...

All Auburn students, including this one, of his time as Dean of Student Affairs, will never forget his undying spirit. The Auburn community will never see his like again.

May he rest in peace and may those in distress be comforted. My love & prayers are with the family & friends. The passing of a loved one is never easy. Dear Dean Foy will live on in our hearts & in our fond memories of his fun & kind ways.

Dean Foy (Jim) came to Mobile and the University of South Alabama, when I served as Dean of Students, to install the local chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, freshman honor society. He also assisted U.S.A. and me in establishing a chapter of ODK at U.S.A. He always was hale, hearty, cheerful and optimistic, and a joy to be with. He always will be missed by people who knew, respected and loved him. He left a legacy for others to follow...
Malcolm Howell
U.S.A. Dean of Students, 1968-1988