U of A Community Mourns Loss of Adrienne Gaines

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Adrienne Gaines

It is with great sadness that the College of Engineering announces the passing of Adrienne Lynnette Gaines, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, colleague, boss and friend. Gaines was a guiding force to many — someone whose love, presence and leadership touched countless lives.

Born on Jan. 8, 1976, Gaines lived a life filled with purpose and compassion. She faced a long and courageous battle with cancer, showing incredible perseverance, grace and strength throughout her journey. Her unwavering positivity and ability to uplift others, even in the most challenging times, remain an enduring inspiration to all who knew her. Her resilience and commitment to making a difference left an indelible mark on those around her.

Gaines earned a Master of Education in workforce development education at the U of A in 2009. Her professional journey at the U of A began as an academic adviser in the Sam M. Walton College of Business before she was hired as the associate director of student services for the First-Year Engineering Program in the College of Engineering. In that role, she was responsible for leading academic advising, peer mentoring and academic support services. She came to the College of Engineering with the strongest recommendations, and she quickly exceeded all expectations. She brought innovative, data-driven approaches to student services, developed excellent materials for student support and provided thoughtful leadership in implementing change.

Gaines was not only an incredible academic adviser but also a life-changer for many students. She enthusiastically took on the most challenging cases, helping improve academic performance and, in many instances, transforming lives. Her mentorship extended beyond her official role; she was a trusted adviser to colleagues and a source of wisdom and optimism for everyone who worked with her. It seemed everyone on campus knew her. One could not walk with Gaines across campus without stopping every few steps due to people wanting to talk with her.

Even as a supervisor, Gaines often became a mentor to her peers. Her thoughtfulness and resolute focus on student success were hallmarks of her leadership. One colleague recounted how her advice consistently turned frustration into empathy and disappointment into optimism. Her impact on the College of Engineering was profound, supported by both data and countless testimonials from students and colleagues whose lives she touched.

Gaines' connection to others went beyond professional interactions. Despite her own challenges, she always thought of others first. A testament to her character is a final text sent to a colleague on Aug. 21, wishing them a happy birthday — a small but powerful gesture during a time when she was battling her illness.

Gaines' contributions extended beyond the First-Year Engineering Program. In 2022, she became the inaugural director of the Engineering One-Stop initiative within the College of Engineering. In this role, she established a centralized hub for academic and administrative support, enhancing the student experience and creating a culture of excellence and accessibility.

Her legacy is one of kindness, strength and dedication. Gaines was an amazing student services professional, but she was an even better person. Her loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. A celebration of life will follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, also at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. The family has requested attendees to wear colorful attire in celebration of Gaines' vibrant spirit, with her favorite color being green.

As the campus mourns her passing, we celebrate Adrienne Gaines' remarkable life and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.

Read Gaines' full obituary here.