Dr. John Sartain Gossett
(1951-2009)
Dr. John Gossett passed away Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Integrity Hospital in Denton, Texas, following a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Sartain Gossett. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his son, John S. Gossett, Jr., and his step-son and his wife, Taylor and Yesenia Dodds, and their sons Andrew and Isaac, and his father, Phil Gossett. He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Karla and Tom Campbell, as well as the families of Judd Campbell, Tracy Darragh, Doug Kalmbach, and Greg Kalmbach.
As an undergraduate, Dr. Gossett debated at the University of Houston, completing an undergraduate degree in political science in 1974. He served as a teaching assistant and debate coach at UH from 1974-1976, before transferring to the University of Southern California to complete his doctoral studies. Upon completion of his Ph.D., Dr. Gossett served as Director of Debate at the University of Northern Iowa from 1979-1981.
Joining the faculty of the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Texas in 1981, Dr. Gossett served as Director of Debate (1981-1991), taught courses in rhetoric and public address, and advised scores of undergraduate and graduate students. He served as Chair of the department from 1989 to 2006. Throughout his tenure at UNT, Dr. Gossett participated in the governance of the National Debate Tournament, serving as a member of the NDT Committee (1982-1990), as a member of the NDT Board of Trustees (1992-2002), and as Chair of the Board of Trustees for four years.
Dr. Gossett was also active in the Texas Speech Communication Association, serving as Vice-President (1989) and President (1990) of the organization. TSCA recognized Dr. Gossett as the University Educator of the Year in 2003. He was also the recipient of several other honors over the course of his career including several awards recognizing his outstanding service to the university community, including the ‘Fesser Graham Award (1987), the Honor’s Faculty Excellence Award (1988), and the Joe G. Steward Distinguished Service Award (1997-98). Dr. Gossett was also proud to be elected by his peers to serve as Commencement Speaker in 1991 and 1996.
A driving force in the southwest for debate, Dr. Gossett served as the district chair and host of the district tournament multiple times. Gossett rebuilt the North Texas debate program to be a perennial qualifier for the NDT. Under his leadership, the team won twenty intercollegiate debate tournaments. He was a forceful teacher impacting many lives directly and indirectly through the classroom, the debate world, and his own life.
Dr. Gossett believed in taking debate out of the round and into the community. He was an active Texas democrat, who served as advisor to former Texas Governor Mark White, and served as an analyst for KDFW-TV (Channel 4) in Dallas. He was known for his service and dedication as a debate instructor who instilled a sense of intellectual curiosity in his students while encouraging personal, civic, and academic accountability.
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Denton, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the John S. Gossett Memorial Debate Scholarship through the Department of Communication Studies. Donations may be sent in care of the Department of Communication Studies, 1155 Union Circle #305268, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203-5268. Please make checks payable to the UNT Foundation.
Comments
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Tues, 6/9/09, 11:34 am by Shaun
"Be sure that it is not you that is mortal, but only your body. For that man whom your outward form reveals is not yourself; the spirit is the true self, not that physical figure which and be pointed out by your finger."
~Cicero
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Tues, 6/9/09, 11:57 am by Dori
I had the immense pleasure of sharing a short time with Dr. Gossett. During my time at UNT, he was both a professor and a boss, but more than that he was a mentor for me. Dr. Gossett was a significant factor in my decision to pursue higher education and become active in my political community. I will be forever touched by his willingness to share his (sometimes loud) opinions, his sense of humor and his fighting spirit. Thank you Dr. Gossett for sharing your stories and experiences with us, your legacy will certainly be celebrated.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 11:58 am by Libby
I learned the meaning of the word "succinct" from Gossett's Intro. to Grad Studies class. For that I am thankful. I thought grad. school was about using $100 words in great amounts but turns out it is far more valuable to say something meaningful in few words than many.
Gossett tried forever to get me to call him John after I graduated but I could not bring myself to do it. He is Gossett to me and always will be.
I have too many great stories to share about him but all of them involved laughing, smiling and enjoying myself a great deal. I will have to miss the funeral but know it will be a great reunion of so many people who cared for him.
Hope I was succinct in my post here today.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 12:40 pm by Courtney
Dr. Gossett,
You were a great man of integrity, professionalism, and class. And to top it off you exhibited a great sense of humor!!! When I came in as a frehmen in the fall of 2001, you were the first person that I met in the comm department. I dinstinctly remember sitting with you along with the other freshmen attending orientation discussing the core requirements for the program. Now, I have grown from a young freshmen into a distinguished young man and I promise you that I will strive to uphold the legacy of the comm department for years to come...enjoy your new home in heaven--a place where we should all strive to get to one day!!! :-) *Also, I want the entire Gossett family to know that you all are in my prayers.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 12:45 pm by TJ
Dr. Gossett was an amazing person. I remember sitting with the other TAs my first year and panicking about our end of term assignment in his intro to grad studies program. He was great at helping us to realize that it could be done and was always encouraging. He was one of the nicest people I have met and will be missed.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 12:56 pm by Jane
I got to know both John and Karen when I first arrived in Texas 20 years ago. Coming from Arkansas my debate coaching experience was limited. John took me under his wing and made me feel like I was far better at coaching than I was... he saw more in me than I did and eventually I started to live up to his vision. Another aspect of John is that he always made me feel important. When we were in conversations he made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. John will be missed.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 3:47 pm by David
I first knew Dr. Gossett when I was in high school in the Dallas area, when he went way out of his way to let our region's small-scale UIL tournament take advantage of NTSU's facilities and resources. Then, as always, he was friendly and a class act, and he will be missed by many.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 4:31 pm by Joshua
Friends,
This part of the North Texas family is in shock today. Condolences to Brian and Jay and everyone else who had the honor of working with Doctor Gossett. Dr. G was my first college debate coach and the person who had to put up with most of my early shenenigans. I remember his booming voice yelling "HOE" like it was yesterday. I remember practice debates in front of him...I remember his first advice to me before my first debate tournament (not appropriate for edebate lol). I was lucky enough to have come back later and worked for Doctor Gossett for 7 years as a more mature (a little) coach.
Gossett was as unique a person as you will ever meet. It is sad that so many new UNT debaters will never get to meet the person who was a mentor for so many of us. It will be like one of those conversations where you just "had to be there." First of all, he was larger than life....a towering figure who commanded your attention, who made you want to know what he had to say, and who was passionate about everything he put his mind to. He was a committed First Amendment scholar, was devoted to FDR and to the Democratic Party, he was such a devoted Yankees fan he named his dog Yankee and went to the Micks funeral.
I had the pleasure of going to many Rangers/Yankees games with the G-Man and you could see the look on players like Paul O'Neals face as they heard this one booming voice through the crowd "Lets go Paulie."
John Gossett was the most passionate friend to the University of North Texas and that North Texas Debate has and will ever have. I would often walk around town or go to lunch with Gossett and he would always know 90% of everyone we passed. Most of that is because along with all the rest of this Gossett was a great teacher and administrator and advocate for education and particularly debate. UNT Debate owes Gossett so much for its longevity, its space, and its pedigree its hard to put in words.
Gossett was also a gigantic friend of the NDT. He was a member of the board of trustees, was always nervous about his job of getting the watches, and cared very deeply about the organization and the tournament.
I last saw Gossett (he preferred to be called Gossett "call me Gosett for God's sake") in the hospital twice last summer. Even after being stuck in the hospital for what turned out to be years he still had his sense of humor, the ready smile, and a ton of stuff to say (when he wasnt getting in trouble for trying to escape the hospital).
Today, I send all of my thoughts and feelings out to Karen and John Jr. John Jr. just started an internship at ESPN and I know John Sr. was incredibly proud. I still remember when Karen and John started dating and I remember when John Jr. was born.
As many know, on Gosset's office door there was the following statement "I'm a Democrat without prefix, suffix, or apology." In honor of a great friend I hope he can hear when I say "Coach, I love you without prefix, suffix, or apology!" RIP
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Tues, 6/9/09, 5:06 pm by Mark
I could not second Josh's thoughts any more. Gossett was kind enough to see past my meager credentials to give me a scholarship in 1987 to join with the best group of minds NTSU had to offer. Nothing made a person stand taller than when Gossett would give you a heartfelt congrats after a good round or a good tournament. His van driving was first rate, and his admonitions of my van driving were well taken. My only regret is that I could not make the party for him a couple years ago. Chris, Josh, Matt, Kyle, Will, Keith... my thoughts are with you all as well.
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Tues, 6/9/09, 7:46 pm by Terry
I have been in reflection about my time at UNT for the last two days. Like anyone there are things I wish I had done differently and some things I wish I hadnt done at all. However, I can't recall one bad memory from my time as a member of the team or as a buddy of the coach. A few things keep coming to mind....Quartzsite Ariz., Camel Drivers,Team DB,Felix the Cat,Malt30,NDT golf,Van Horn, Greyhound, Clothes off the 8th floor balcony in Cali. (a belated sorry about that to Todd),And Scoops stalker. So many memories, so many laughs, and one guy at the heart of all of them. I am not going to focus on how sad I am for the loss. I'm gonna focus on how much joy I had being around him for the years I called him Coach, Mentor, and Friend.
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Wed, 6/10/09, 6:09 am by Ed
Just last week, I stopped by the CS Office to see Dr. Gosset who was the Chairman of the Department when I returned to UNT in 1994-1998 to finally get a Degree from UNT. I had not been to the office since 1999 and was glad to see Dr. Allison who informed me of Dr. Gosset's Medical Condition.
I will always remember Dr. Gosset as having a passion for CS and the students. He was always available to talk with and his insights were very valuable. He was an encourager par excellence. Dr. Gosset had assembled a group of great professors during my returning years at UNT such as Dr. Allison, Dr. Hamlett, Dr. Rhea and others.
I am sure that the CS Department will continue to excel because of his leadership legacy.
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Wed, 6/10/09, 10:49 am by Emily
"Good man speaking well"
Enlightened Understanding
Classical Gossett
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Wed, 6/10/09, 11:34 am by John
Dear Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Adviser, Friend, Inspiration.
Who knows where or what I would be today without the guidance and opportunity you offered me. I came to college later in life than most and had absolutely no plans to attend graduate school much less become a teacher and debate coach.
You will forever be guiding light and inspiration to those of us lucky enough to know you. Thank you for your passion and dedication as a teacher, friend and citizen.
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Wed, 6/10/09, 2:10 pm by Carolyn
My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen, John Jr., Taylor, and the rest of the Gossett family.
The debate community has definitely lost one of its strongest advocates. Like many of you, I was fortunate enough to really get to know him while working on my master's degree. I will fondly remember the lively discussions in First Amendment and American Public Address courses. I hope Dr. John has already tracked down LBJ and is having a lively discussion with him.
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Wed, 6/10/09, 8:36 pm by Rags
It seems it was just a few days ago he was calling my name as I came into the office. He always seemed to truly enjoy me sitting in his office, probably because I laughed so hard at dang near everything he said. I remember during his first year as department chair I asked him how he liked it and he responded with that huge smile "It's good to be the King". (If you were really lucky you got to hear him do the whole Mel Brooks routine, hilarious.) No matter how often or bad I screwed up, he was always there for me, forgiving and supportive. I will never forget you Gossett. My prayers are with all the family and friends of the G-Man
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Thurs, 6/11/09, 12:16 am by Mark
I am honored to know John Gossett as a friend, a mentor, and a colleague. When I received word that he died on Saturday, there was one thing that I was absolutely certain of I will always try to speak of him in the present or future sense, because the gifts that he has provided me are and ever will be.
Gossett is the primary reason that I am and have been involved in the life paths that I have been. I had the fortune to be in New York a couple of weeks ago and saw Wicked, and if you have not heard or read the lyrics to For Good, you should think about Gossett. In the lyrics to that song, Glinda sings to Elphaba: I ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them. And we help them in return. Well, I don t know if I believe that s true, but I know I m who I am today because I knew you. I consider myself extremely fortunate that Gossett came into my life, and I am most certain that I m who I am today because I know him. I don t know if I helped him, but he certainly helped me.
To all, I wish you the best, and know that Gossett s spirit is always with us both through actions of the past and thoughts for the future that have been shaped by him. Monday will be special.
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Thurs, 6/11/09, 10:11 am by Joe
John is and will remain a powerful influence in my professional and in my personal life. There is no questions that his life was a force for good in this world. I appreciated his friendship and his integrity both as a man and as a teacher. Please extend my condolences to his family.
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Thurs, 6/11/09, 10:38 am by Jason
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Gossett ("Jason, don't call me 'Dr', call me John") as an Academic Advisor to Comm Studies. He was one of the most approachable and personable people I have ever worked with. I was always so thankful for his great involvement at commencement exercises as being the "voice" for the graduates. Truly, there will forever exist a void at UNT with his passing. Gossett family, you are in my prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
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Fri, 6/12/09, 1:17 am by Melodee
The soul of man is immortal and imperishable.
Plato, The Republic
Your passion will live forever in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know you. I am deeply saddened that I will never have that honor. You will be missed.
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Fri, 6/12/09, 9:44 pm by Lucy
What a powerful man, consummate educator, fine scholar, solid citizen and dedicated husband and father.
My heart is broken. We lost him too young and too soon.
But Boy did he know how to live! I miss that laugh, that wicked sense of humor- that passion and all those beautifully crafted opinions.
Gossett, Dude, you rocked the house. You were such a fighter and we are so grateful for that. We love you and miss you and are so thankful to have known you.
You changed our lives for the better and for that we are so thankful.
God's Peace and Love.
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Fri, 6/12/09, 9:54 pm by Sherry
John Gossett is the reason that I am a debate coach today. I never intended to embark upon the debate path when I entered college. I viewed debate as a stepping stone to law school and a legal career. My relationship with John changed that. The passion he brought to the game and his fierce advocacy on behalf of me, Joel, Laura and other debaters who followed us, inspired me to want to do the same. I did a lot of growing up in college, and John, more than any other person in my life, helped me to develop into the person I am today. It is no exaggeration to say that he was the single most influential person in my life for a long time. He was one of the first people I met when I got to college. He and I arrived at North Texas the same year. I like to think we rebuilt the North Texas debate program together.
I remember a time when I was struggling financially and worried about how to pay my bills. I was sitting in his office wondering how I was going to work things out. He handed me a $100.00 bill (which was actually worth something back then). I said that I couldn t take it because I didn t know when I could pay it back. He said, pay it back by doing the same thing for one of your debaters one day. I guess I ve been trying to pay back my debt to him ever since through my relationships with my own debaters. Others have mentioned his service to the community on the NDT Committee, the Board of Trustees -- but I will always consider his greatest contribution to the community to be the people he taught and inspired to join it, me, Joel, Laura, Josh, and Tara to name a few.
In my head I know that his passing was probably for the best. He had stoically struggled for years and suffered a lot, emotionally and physically, over the last year. He was a fighter until the end. But my heart is very heavy. My thoughts are with Karen, Taylor, John Jr. and the rest of his family. While I didn t get the chance to tell him in person, I ll say it now, Goodbye coach.
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Sat, 6/13/09, 1:50 pm by Dennis
I really appreciate reading these memories of Gossett because it also reminds me of so many good times while I was at UNT. Actually, I first met Gossett at the University of Northern Iowa. I was a member of the IE squad and can remember thinking that UNI was really getting serious about debate because he was so intense. When I attended UNT for my masters ('84-'85)it was really great to have a familiar face and Gossett was very encouraging during my early struggles. Like others have said, I also learned to write in his research methods class and can never thank him enough for all he taught me both in and out of the classroom.
Karen and family, you are in my prayers.
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Sun, 6/14/09, 2:50 pm by Lucy
What a powerful person, Dr. John. You made such a difference to so many folks. Great educator, wonderful friend, devoted husband and father--- I will miss that fabulous laugh, that great sense of humor, the candid nature of your scholarship, great insights.
This is a big loss- Thanks for going out slowly, so we got used to missing you. Otherwise, I don't think we could have let go.
You were one of those rare personalities that was bigger than the room. I hope Heaven is large enough for you.
You have left a huge void.
This will take a while.
Much Love to Karen and the family and thank you for sharing him with so many of us.
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Mon, 6/15/09, 10:24 am by Agee
It's been a difficult time for all the ex-debaters, and especially hard for us at this time b/c I think we all saw some light at the end of the tunnel. He was such a special person to all of us--he was a true father figure to me and many other debaters. He cared so much about us, and I think at a basic level that we all wanted to please him and do our best. I am grateful that he is not in pain anymore. I was in Vegas when i got the news and , later that day, won some money. As soon as I did, I heard the g-man's voice in my head--"Agee, that's good, now don't lose it all back." It took me back to that first Vegas trip when I felt so proud and excited to be sitting next to my coach at the 2 dollar blackjack table at the Four Queens. Everytime I go to Vegas I remember that time in 1985. He taught me so much about so many things that I needed to learn from him. He made my life better in so many ways. He was a great coach, mentor, friend. I know what a struggle it was for him to be stuck in that hospital bed dealing with all the crap that went along with his recovery. Gossett, you are loved and appreciated by all of us who were fortunate enough to know you. We are at NFL nationals trying to coach the way he would have coached us. We're trying to win one for the g-man :) Love to Karen and John Jr., she has been an incredible positive force throughout this whole process. I will miss you coach, but i've already heard your voice in my head. Keep coaching me, I need it :) agee
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Mon, 6/15/09, 11:01 am by Zachary
Why a Giver?
Why is the question that we often
Seeks answers but rarely does the answers We get seem to satisfy The wondering that is with in us.
When ever some one with so much to give, And so much energy for life A person whose own life is an example For all the lives they ve touched is called Home
It bring me to ask why
To question the reason for taking a giver And leaving a taker In this world.
It s so hard to find givers
Those rare individuals who put,
Helping others
And making the world better,
ahead of gaining something for themselves
My faith requires acceptance;
Of the Father s will
And acceptance of the wisdom
That HIS action will bring to me and others
I know with out a doubt,
That the Father s decision to bring home, One of the champions of HIS message Is clearly best and is not a mistake
I know the question of why and whom,
Is exclusively with in the Father s power I also know that when HE calls a giver home, It s because the person legacy will remain.
A legacy of giving is what Dr. Gossett leaves,
A man full of life and living,
A person who genuinely cared for others, The person who without hesitation gave what he could.
A larger than life statue and presence, A man with a sense of humor and joy, A gentlemen and gentle man A mentor, friend and coach too many.
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Tues, 6/16/09, 8:39 am by Goza
It was a wonderful and fitting memorial service last night, for a wonderful man. I wasn't able to say anything last night, but I wanted to share some memories.
I was lucky enough to have Gossett as a key part of my university education. As an undergraduate I was in awe of him. He liked to jokingly refer to me as one of those people that is getting a degree in "reading out loud", but I think he liked me anyway. I know this because he called me by my last name.
Gossett was the dispenser of practical advice. When I was considering going to graduate school, I decided to take a GRE for practice to see what the exam was like, and my plan was that I would study to strengethen my weak areas and take it again. I made high enough scores to get into the program, but my math score wasn't very good. I told Gossett that I was going to take the GRE again. He gave me his, are you crazy look, and asked, "Why are you going to waste your time taking the exam again, do you think we are going to let you in twice?" I didn't take the exam again.
When I was in graduate school, I was also Gossett's graduate assistant. The first day I met with him to discuss my responsibilites, he took out a file folder that contained one small piece of paper. It was the warranty to his class ring. That is how organized he was. Quite a high bar.
As his assistant, I witnessed his true open door policy. Students and faculty wandered in and out of his office all the time. I spent a lot of time waiting for his office to clear out. Everyone was important. He treated his admin and students with the same respect and affection that he had for important faculty members. One memory that sticks in my mind is Gossett meeting with prospective students. Many of them came with their parents and often the parents would answer his questions for their children saying, "We are still trying to decide what we are going to major in". Gossett always managed to draw the potential student into the conversation and by the end of most interviews the parents were starting to understand that this was their child's education. However, it didn't always work that way. At one interview where the parent wouldn't stop answering for her child, Gossett asked her, "Are you going to be attending classes with him?" I was outside his office and I laughed so hard he glared at me as she stomped past me with her kid in tow.
Lastly I appreciate how Gossett taught me that you need to pick a side and make a stand. Gossett was on my Graduate committee. Gossett was a very black and white person. I am not. At my graduate defense, as they questioned me about my answers, I started waffling. Saying that it depends. All of a sudden I noticed the look on Gossett's face and realized I was going down fast. I stopped and took a deep breath and then I picked a side and took my stand. A huge smile covered Gossett's face and he began to nod and take notes. I knew I was alright.
Thanks Gossett for always being on my side. You are missed and appreciated.
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Tues, 6/16/09, 6:28 pm by Jace
I had the honor to work for him. He always treated me with respect and was a true gentleman. I learned a lot from him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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Tues, 6/16/09, 11:40 pm by Holly
I thoroughly enjoyed the memorial service to Gossett. It was a fitting tribute to a great mentor, friend, leader, and scholar. I've realized over the last few days how much of my work as an academic was influenced by Gossett. It did not hit me until this week because I've embodied several of Gossett's approaches, sayings, questions, and challenges to others as a faculty member and scholar. Thank you my friend. THAT is a legacy.
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Thurs, 6/18/09, 9:33 pm by Michele
Thanks to all who spoke so eloquently at the memorial service--it was wonderful to hear so many folks sharing their memories and smiling along with you all. Gossett's legacy will certainly live through all of us who learned from him and through our own students who now learn from us. I owe much of my success and even a good deal of where I am today to Gossett and all of the great opportunities he gave me while at UNT. I will always be thankful for his help and guidance. And I will also always miss him.
Finally, thanks to Karen, Taylor and John, Jr. for sharing Gossett with all of us. He simply couldn't have done all he managed to do without your support and willingness to share him with so many students.
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Mon, 6/22/09, 11:10 am by Lexi
You were amazing! you will be missed dearly!
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*Please feel free to share any thoughts about Dr. Gossett below*
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