Dr. Jacqueline Collett, Professor Emerita of Music at Truman State University, peacefully passed away in her home in Kirksville, Missouri, on July 22, 2025. She was 71 years old.

Jackie was raised in El Paso, Texas, and pursued her passion for music with dedication and excellence. Dr. Collett realized her passion for music education her sophomore year under the tutelage of Dr. Hugh Cardon at the University of Texas at El Paso where she earned her Bachelor of Music. She often spoke of his influence on her own teaching—striving to be, for her students—many of whom lovingly called her ‘Dr. C’—what he was for her: an inspiration, a source of encouragement, and a supportive shoulder or boulder (whichever was needed most).

Continuing her education, she earned both her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Arizona. Before joining the Truman faculty, she taught music in Arizona’s public schools at both the elementary and secondary levels, laying the groundwork for a lifelong career in music education.

A devoted educator and accomplished vocalist, Jackie joined the Truman State University (Northeast Missouri State University at the time) faculty in 1992 and served as a Professor of Music for 32 years until her retirement in May 2024. At Truman, Dr. Collett taught applied voice, class voice, music education courses, Hollywood to Broadway, and directed numerous operettas and the no longer active Truman State University show choir, the “Franklin Street Singers.” She was beloved by her students and colleagues for her dedication, kindness, and joy in teaching. Though she had no children of her own, she treated generations of students as family.

In retirement, Jackie continued to teach guitar at Truman State University and remained active in the community she loved. She recently joined the Rotary Club of Kirksville, and enjoyed helping out with projects (especially with the flags). She enjoyed spending time with her bowling buddies, traveling the world and exploring new places - with students, colleagues, family, even strangers - and visiting former students and lifelong friends throughout the country.

She also delighted in attending Broadway performances in Kansas City with “her boys”—a treasured tradition she held dear. Her deep ties to the Truman and Kirksville communities and her enduring friendships were a central joy in her life.

Dr. Collett is survived by her sisters, Alice and Judith, and her brother, Robert. She was preceded in death by her parents. As she requested, she was cremated, and a celebration of life is currently being planned and details will be shared at a later date.

Both on and off the stage, in and out of her office, and in a hallway or classroom, Dr. C met people with kindness, wisdom, and joy. Jackie’s legacy lives on—through the many lives she touched, each individual she inspired, every heart she reached, and the music she helped bring into the world.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jackie’s memory are encouraged to contribute to the remodeling and renaming of the Baldwin Hall Box Office in her honor by donating to the Dr. Collett Box Office Fund via the Truman State University Foundation. This space, where she taught and inspired countless students, will serve as a lasting tribute to her passion for music, education, and the Truman and Kirksville communities she loved so dearly.

Memorial donations in memory of Jacqueline may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.