Southern Wesleyan University mourns professor’s loss
Dr. Susan T. Rouse, chair of the Science Division and professor of biology, passed away at 1:42 a.m. Nov. 11, after a two-year battle with cancer.
Rouse has served on the faculty of Southern Wesleyan University since 2005. Prior to coming to SWU, she was on the faculty of Emory University and Brenau University. While teaching was her passion, Rouse loved introducing undergraduate students to research. She also served as the director of the Honors Program at SWU, a program that provides mentoring and opportunities for research and other professional engagement to SWU's top students. In 2009, Rouse was honored as Faculty Member of the Year by her students.
As an accomplished neuroscientist, Rouse's research interests included the cell biology of neurons, the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (which infects neurons) and the biology of addiction. She was also in bioethics, specifically in the growing trend of cognitive enhancement through the off-label use of drugs for ADHD and Alzheimer's Disease.
Rouse lived in Clemson with her husband Chip, who coaches men’s and women’s cross country for Southern Wesleyan, and two teen-aged children.
Rouse earned her Ph.D. in Neuro Science from Emory University, her MA in Bioethics from Trinity International University and her BS in Biology/Psychology from Georgia College.
Services are scheduled for 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16, at Alive Wesleyan Church, 136 Chastain Rd, Central, S.C.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.