Joycelyn R. Hart, 80, Cornell associate vice president emerita for human relations and the first African-American woman in Cornell's senior administration, died Aug. 6 at her Ithaca home after a brief illness.

Over her 26-year career at Cornell, from 1970s to 1996, Hart served in various capacities, including associate dean of the Graduate School and associate ombudsman. Promoted to associate vice president for human relations in 1987, Hart served as the university's chief affirmative action and equal opportunity officer until 1996, when she retired. As the associate dean of the Graduate School, Hart developed and promoted a Minority Undergraduate Summer Research Exchange Program with Princeton and Stanford universities and the University of California-Berkeley.

Born in New Orleans, Hart earned a B.A. degree from Dillard University and a master of social science degree from the Smith College School of Social Work.

Prior to coming to Ithaca in 1966, she was a psychiatric social worker in Michigan, Illinois, Cleveland and New Orleans. She was a major contributor to a commonly used resource text, "The Eighth Generation." She was also actively involved in a number of local organizations, including board membership of Tompkins Community Action, The History Center and Kendal at Ithaca. She enjoyed tailoring clothes for herself and family, and also making annual trips to the New Orleans Jazzfest.

Hart is survived by her husband of 57 years, Edward Hart, a retired ophthalmologist, four adult children and an extended family.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Sage Chapel with a reception to follow at the Sage Hall Atrium on the Cornell campus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.