Susan Hignite Barr of Fairfield, Virginia, passed away on Nov. 22, 2017.

She was 66 years old and her father, Robert Moses Garrard Hignite, and her brother, Thomas Garrard Hignite, preceded her in death.

Her mother, Nancy Lee Hignite, her husband, Daniel Wayne Barr, and many cousins and in-laws survive her.

Susan grew up in Maryland, graduated from Bridgewater College and earned masters and doctorate degrees at the University of Virginia. She taught science and math at the Stuart Hall School in Staunton, where she became the academic dean and interim head of school. She served at Southern Seminary College as the registrar and chief of staff to the president.

After completion of her doctoral work, Susan became the first female dean, and as secretary to the Academic Board, the first female to sign diplomas at the Virginia Military Institute, where she held the rank of colonel and ultimately became the chief information officer.

Susan returned to UVA as director of the Student Systems Project that installed a unified computer records system across the university's 11 schools. Susan retired from UVA in 2014 as the associate dean for academic programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Throughout her career, Susan passionately supported and advocated for the education of girls and women, the professional development of academic women in secondary schools as well as in the academy, and sought always to make a positive difference in the evolution of institutions, and in the professional and personal development of colleagues, students and alumni.

A memorial service will be held at the Mint Spring Methodist Church, 58 Mint Spring Circle, Staunton, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 11 a.m.

Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, 17 Parkway Lane, Fishersville, VA 22939. Condolences to the family can be made at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.