Justice for Professor Shively

Dr. Michael Jay Shively
(1946-2019)

 

Mike was born in Mount Summit, Indiana to Phyllis Beavers Shively and Alan Shively. He returned to his heavenly home on August 19th, 2019 in Provo, Utah with his family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Ann; five children, Jeff Shively (Linsey), Sheri Meyers (Jay), Dori Pye, Lori Pye (Jacqui), and Jim Pye;12 grandchildren and one great grandchild; a brother Jeff Alexander, and a niece and nephew.

 

Mike earned his DVM, M.S, and Ph.D. from Purdue University. He taught both veterinary and human anatomy, and physiology before coming to Utah Valley University where he has taught anatomy and physiology for the past 27 years. He was a prolific author in peer reviewed scientific journals as well as a solicited reviewer with four more publications currently in preparation. He was past president of the UVU Faculty Senate, former Department Chair in the Department of Life Sciences, and Faculty Athletic Representative. He was appointed the Human Anatomy Program Coordinator in 1993 redesigning the curriculum and building a program that has earned statewide and national recognition.

 

Mike served the UVU community in various ways through support of the Wolverines in not only attending various athletic events, but also playing his trumpet at games. He enthusiastically kept UVU in both the state and national arenas through presentations at scientific meetings, being a grant  recipient multiple times, and serving on university, national, and international committees. He served on the search committees for a past UVU president and new faculty members. He was the recipient of multiple citations, awards, and honors during his tenure at UVU, including nine teaching awards and five-time Teacher of the Year.

 

Mike wrote poetry, songs, and possessed a great love for music. He was an accomplished musician on both trumpet and guitar and was always honored to play his trumpet for Wolverine games and his guitar when students requested it. He played with the American Fork Symphony and Sarge’s All Star Band. He wrote love songs for his dear wife Annie, poetry and journals for his children, and humorous verses (containing anatomical terms and anatomy lab jargon) for his many students over the years that he set to common tunes which occasionally resulted in rather ribald humor.

 

He was also a marathon canoe racer and five-time champion and former record holder in various classes of the Tx Water Safari. He taught all of his children to paddle and they all retain a love of nature, exploration, and stewardship of the earth along with a healthy competitive spirit when in a boat.

 

Mike was a husband and father most of all, but also a good friend, neighbor, and incredible human being. He was a builder of decks and of critical thought. Because of the thousands of students he taught, who in turn will serve thousands of others, Mike’s legacy will continue to touch lives for good.

 

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the trauma, neurosurgery, and critical care teams at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for their outstanding care and support.

Memories

Mike was an amazing person with an incredible range of talents and an uncommon zest for life and the outdoors. I will never forget the many times I watched in wonder as he darted over the waters of Labyrinth Canyon in his canoe, leaving me in his wake. Among his many other talents, he was the most gifted practical joker I've ever known. On any trip with Mike, you could count on much laughter and mischief. Mike was a dear friend and colleague and I miss him terribly. I'm so sorry, Ann.

Jim Harris

August 23 at 04:22 AM

I just learned of Dr. Shively’s passing. I took his anatomy class fall semester of 1993 at UVSC, and through a Bachelor of Science in nursing at BYU and a Masters of Nurse Anesthesia at USC (east coast), he was, hands down, the best professor I had. Condolences to his family. Bryan Wright, CRNA

Bryan Wright

September 04 at 02:20 PM

Dr. Shively was my anatomy professor at UVU. I went on to be an STA for 3 semesters. He saw my potential when I didn't, and encouraged me to pursue my advanced degree. I am a nurse practitioner now because he planted that seed. He will be missed!

Heather Dorius

September 04 at 12:54 PM

I met Mike when I worked at UVU in the Biology and Chemistry departments. He would always smile and say "Hi Fran, how's it going?" when we passed in the hall. I knew many of his students (and faculty) who were/are so grateful for the things he taught and the respect and friendship he gave us. I was so impressed when I would be having lunch with my husband in the UVU cafeteria to see Mike having and sometimes buying lunch for a few of his students; all the while having discussions about the things they needed to learn/do to be successful in their classes and their future jobs. He and his dear wife Ann, invited all the faculty and their spouses to their home for a Christmas Party one year and he sang and played the guitar. He is one of the most kind, caring, intelligent people I have ever met. UVU and its students have lost a true treasure. My love and prayers are with Ann and his family for comfort and peace. I am honored to have shared my time at UVU with him. May he be blessed for all he has done for so many people.

Frances Billington

August 29 at 08:59 PM

I had the opportunity of taking Anatomy from Dr. Shively for about half of his last semester teaching at UVU. He was a phenomenal professor, and although it was tough, he really pushed me to learn and understand anatomy. He had more knowledge than any one person I’ve ever met. I’m deeply grateful for the time I had to learn from him, and I’d like to send my deepest condolences to the Shively family. He was truly phenomenal and I’ll always remember the impact he had on my life.

Alyssa van Uitert

August 28 at 10:00 PM