NASHVILLE – Trevecca Nazarene University Athletics is celebrating the life of former director of athletics pioneer Dr. Lora "Doc" Donoho, a leader in collegiate athletics and a transformational figure in the University's history.
Donoho, who was 94, was born on May 22, 1931, and passed away on May 3, 2026, just 19 days before her 95th birthday. Lora Donoho Obituary
Donoho served as Trevecca's director of athletics from 1995-97, guiding the department during a pivotal period as the University worked toward Title IX compliance and expanded opportunities for women's athletics. Her leadership helped shape the structure and direction of Trevecca Athletics that continues today.
Dr. Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University, reflected on Dr. Lora Donoho's lasting influence on the University and its community:
"When Denise and I were students at Trevecca (1970-74), Lora and John Donoho were leaders on the Trevecca campus. John was our Dean of Students and Lora was a mainstay in athletics. She knew us, mentored us, and enjoyed life with us. I can still hear her hearty laugh. In a time when religion could be judgmentally narrow, she exhibited the expansive love of God," Boone said. "Her contribution to the culture of Trevecca spanned her lifetime. She returned to Trevecca under Dr. Reed and continued to influence generations of college students. Trevecca is who we are today because of people like Lora Donoho. Rest in peace, my friend."
A member of the NAIA Hall of Fame, Donoho brought a national reputation and decades of experience to Nashville. She is recognized as the first woman to serve as an athletic director at a college or university in the United States, holding that role at Mount Vernon Nazarene College from 1975-90, where she was instrumental in building intercollegiate athletics programs.
Donoho was hired at Trevecca by then-University President Dr. Millard Reed in fall 1995 to lead the athletic department through a Title IX compliance process. During her tenure, the University expanded women's sports offerings, increased scholarship opportunities and improved facilities, including the addition of an on-campus softball field. Donoho developed a long-range strategic plan while guiding Trevecca to meet gender-equity standards within a required timeline.
Her experience in program development and advocacy for women's athletics proved critical in positioning the department for long-term growth.
Donoho's influence extended beyond administration. She was known for her personal investment in people, particularly student-athletes and coaches.
Julie Heisey (van Beek), a Trevecca Hall of Fame women's basketball head coach, reflected on Donoho's impact.
"She believed wholeheartedly that women's athletics had a meaningful place within Nazarene universities, and she worked tirelessly to create opportunities," Heisey said. "She didn't do anything halfway, she was all in. She was fearless and passionate, and she got things done."
Heisey also credited Donoho for her role in shaping Trevecca's women's basketball program.
"One of the things I will always be grateful for is her role in restarting the women's basketball program at Trevecca," Heisey said. "She believed in me and in my vision, and she made sure I felt connected to the Trevecca community from the very beginning."
Dr. Brenda Patterson, former Trevecca director of athletics and longtime colleague, reflected on Donoho's broad impact.
"Though small in stature, Lora Donoho was a giant of influence within the athletic departments of Trevecca, Olivet Nazarene and Mount Vernon Nazarene," Patterson said. "Her legacy continues to impact lives through her commitment to academics and athletics and the countless coaches and student-athletes she influenced."
At Olivet, Donoho contributed as a faculty member and leader in teacher education. Across each stop, she was recognized for her ability to build programs, mentor leaders and advocate for student-athletes.
Dr. Melvin Welch, a longtime member of the Trevecca community, noted the lasting impression of Donoho and her husband, Dr. John Donoho.
"She was overwhelmingly loved by student-athletes because of her Christian life and the way she led," Welch said. "Her sense of humor and leadership made a lasting impact, and the Donohos were deeply committed to Trevecca and its students."
Donoho and her husband, John, who also served Trevecca and later Mount Vernon Nazarene in student development roles, were widely known for their investment in students' lives both academically and spiritually.
At Mount Vernon Nazarene, where Donoho helped build the foundation of its athletic department, her legacy remains deeply felt.
"We are grateful for the impact that Dr. Lora Donoho had on our campus and athletic department," Mount Vernon Nazarene Director of Athletics Chip Wilson said. "She established an intentional focus and direction and helped pave the way for what we are able to accomplish today."
Frank Wilson, Hall of Fame men's basketball coach at Trevecca Nazarene University, reflected on Dr. Lora Donoho's impact:
"Lora Donoho had a wonderful personality and fit well in the Trevecca community. She was a great role model for women and men alike," Wilson said. "She was kind and always had a positive word in difficult situations. She had great depth and used wisdom when speaking with students and faculty. Her Christian walk came through in her roles as a teacher, dean, and athletic director. Her integrity shone through her leadership, and she will be remembered as a Christian who stood for those values with students and faculty at Trevecca."
Donoho continued to invest in Trevecca long after her day-to-day service to the University concluded. She remained a Trevecca Legacy Partner until her passing, was an Adams League participant for 15 years, and was a member of the Trevecca Society for several years.
Donoho's career was marked by leadership, service and a commitment to excellence. Her influence continues to be felt across generations of student-athletes, coaches, and institutions.
Memorials in honor of Dr. Lora Donoho may be made to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp in Vicksburg, Michigan.
Visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
A funeral service follows at 11 a.m. at Hughey Funeral Home, with burial at New Home (Lowry) Cemetery in Bluford, Illinois.
For additional information, please Hughey Funeral Home (www.hugheyfh.com) contact for further information at 618-242-3348.
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