Joel Persky PhD, professor of Media Journalism and Film died at his home on August 12 at the age of 64. He began his academic career at Iona College and the College of New Rochelle in New York, and then went on to chair the Communications Department at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. His career continued at Missouri State University for the past 20 years, where he enjoyed his tenure as a past Associate Vice President and Dean of the graduate school. The remainder of his years at the University were spent as a popular and well-respected professor. Many may also recognize Dr. Persky from the years he spent as the KSPR movie critic. Among his many accomplishments was the creation of the Missouri Broadcast Educators Association, which he co-founded with his friend and colleague, Dr. Arlen Diamond. Dr. Persky also co-authored the Journal of the American West and produced a number of socially relevant radio series which aired nationally. Joel, a past president and long time member of Temple Israel, Rogersville, served two terms on the Springfield Greene County Library Board and was instrumental both in the construction of the new library center, TLC, and the renovations of the Main Street branch. Joel was also a member of the ACLU and was a zealous advocated for the rights of the underprivileged. His greatest professional joys came from the knowledge that so many of his former students are now enjoying success in the Radio, TV and Film industry many of whom have kept in touch throughout the years. In his personal life, his greatest source of pride came from his family. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, of 43 years, two children, his daughter Rena and son-in-law Seth Grubstein, of Plano, Texas, and his son Ken and daughter-in-law Dana of Olathe, Kansas and five grandchildren, Danielle, Alyssa, Nicole, Bryan, and Jason as well as by his father David Persky and wife Rose of Coconut Creek Florida. Joel was preceded in death by his mother Bertha Persky. Funeral services will be held at Gorman Scharpf funeral home on Sunday, August 16th at 11:00 AM. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Joel's name to either Temple Israel in Rogersville Missouri or the Multicultural Leadership Scholarship Fund at Missouri State University.