Jack Leonard Follis

Born on April 8, 1973, in Dugway, Utah, Jack spent a lifetime thinking deeply, asking good questions, and helping others make sense of numbers, ideas, and patterns. A proud tenured associate professor at the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Houston, Texas, Jack was dedicated to teaching, research, and mentoring students.

Jack earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Philosophy from UST, a Master of Science in Mathematics from Texas Tech University, a Master of Liberal Arts from UST, and a PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas. He served as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science and Director of the MS in Applied Data Science program. He loved the challenge of a good proof, the elegance of theory, and the real-world impact of applied mathematics. Whether teaching statistics and data analytics, advising students, or talking through ideas with colleagues, Jack brought patience, clarity, and enthusiasm to everything he did.

Beyond academics, Jack had a genuine love for sports and proudly served as Faculty Athletic Representative at UST, a role that allowed him to support student-athletes. He also loved to play the guitar and bass guitar and could often be found hosting a jam session in his office with his friends. Known for his witty sense of humor, kind-heartedness, and quiet wisdom, Jack took great pride in UST and the community of students and colleagues who made it his second home over the past 35 years.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Tomi Follis, and is survived by his siblings Miki (Sam) Rende, Michael Follis, Jr., Grace (James) Farquhar, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 6, 2026 at University of St. Thomas Black Lab, 4100 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, with family, friends, former students, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of St. Thomas in support of the Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science or Athletic departments.

“Probability theory is nothing but common sense reduced to calculation.” — Pierre-Simon Laplace