“We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Anna Norris, a dedicated professor who touched the lives of many students and colleagues,” Christopher P. Long, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, said in a statement sent out by the College of Arts and Letters. “It was a privilege to know her, and we will miss her very much. On behalf of the college, I wish to express our condolences to her family and friends."

Norris was also nominated for the Faculty of the Year Award by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She was the graduate adviser for the French program, served as chair of a doctoral student's dissertation committee and was named Chevalier dans L’Ordre des Palmes Académiques, or Knight in the Order of Academic Palms, by the French Ministry for Higher Education and Research.

“(Norris) was an associate professor of French and taught at MSU for 18 years,"  MSU spokesperson Jason Cody said in an email. "The thoughts and prayers of the MSU community are with Norris’ family and friends. For those in the campus community who may be personally affected by this tragedy, resources are available at the MSU Counseling Center.”

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies will hold a memorial for Norris at 5 p.m. Wednesday in B342 Wells Hall and Norris' funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Congregation Shaarey Zedek.