Dr. Jack English Bizzel

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<p class="p1">Dr. Jack English Bizzel, 88, of Morehead, Kentucky, a retired Morehead State University, MSU, professor, community leader and dedicated husband and father died Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at his home.</p><p class="p1">Born Dec. 19, 1926, in Anna, he was the son of Jess Sr. and Kitty English Bizzel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jess Bizzel Jr., and his sister, Violet Miller.</p><p class="p1">He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Peggy Watkins Bizzel, whom he married on Sept. 7, 1947, and their son, Jeffrey Bizzel, of Morehead.</p><p class="p1">A 1944 graduate of Anna Senior High School, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his military service and a brief career as theatre manager, he enrolled in college, earning three degrees from Southern Illinois University: a bachelor's degree in 1957, a master's degree in 1958 and Ph.D. in 1966. While completing his doctorate in government he also taught at SIU.</p><p class="p1">He, Peggy and Jeff moved to Morehead in 1966 and he joined the MSU government faculty. Three years later, he was named chair of the department of political science, a position he held until 1985, when he returned to full-time teaching. He retired as professor emeritus in 1992.</p><p class="p1">Dr. Bizzel was recognized both as an outstanding professor and as an authority on state government. He received the university's 1979 Distinguished Faculty Award, served on the Faculty Senate, and was nominated by the MSU family in 2011 as one of the most influential individuals shaping the university during its 125 years.</p><p class="p1">Active in numerous professional organizations, Dr. Bizzel served as president of the Kentucky Political Science Association in 1971, received the association's Distinguished Political Science Award in 1993 and participated in the 1991 NATO Discussion  Series.</p><p class="p1">He initiated the internship program in the Kentucky legislature and the prelaw and paralegal programs at MSU.</p><p class="p1">Dr. Bizzel was involved in many local activities and was elected twice to serve on Morehead City Council after being appointed to fill an unexpired term in 1989.</p><p class="p1">He was an elder emeritus and member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Morehead.</p><p class="p1">A celebration of life was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel in Morehead, with the Rev. Molly Smothers and the Rev. Merry C. Jones officiating. Entombment was in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.</p><p class="p1">Memorials can be made  to First Christian Church, 227 E. Main St., Morehead, Kentucky, 40351 or to the MSU Foundation, Palmer Development House, Morehead, Kentucky 40351.</p><p class="p1">Condolences may be made at www.northcuttandson.com.</p>



Dr. Jack English Bizzel


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