TROY, Ala.-Troy State University students, faculty and staff are mourning the death of Chelcie D. Mickles, a senior journalism major from Greenville, who was found dead in her dormitory room Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Preliminary indications are that the student died of natural causes, according to official sources. Mickles' family has been notified, and funeral arrangements are pending.

"The entire Troy State University family is saddened by the loss of Chelcie Mickles," Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said. "Chelcie was well-liked by her professors and classmates in the Hall School of Journalism. My condolences go out to her family in Greenville and the members of the TSU family who are grieving for her."

Two members of the Hall School of Journalism faculty described Mickles as apopular, hard-working student.

"Chelcie was always a sparkplug in any class she participated in," Dr. Steve Padgett, Director, said. "She always asked questions and asking questions is a major part of being a journalist. We will miss her wit, her humor, her fondness for happy-meal toys and her love for the Hall School of Journalism and Troy State University."

Rick Kenney, assistant professor of journalism and adviser to the student newspaper, The Tropolitan, praised Mickles for her work on the student newspaper and in the classroom.

"Chelcie came to us as a rough diamond, but you never had to teach her anything twice," Kenney said. "She loved to learn, and she loved journalism.

Her work as a sports writer and sports editor helped raise the standards at the Tropolitan, but it was Chelcie as a personwitty, collector of Furbies and Teletubbies and resident expert of the Beatleswho raised the standard of fun and enthusiasm throughout the Hall School of Journalism.

Her death leaves a void that cannot be filled."

Mickles, 22, transferred to Troy State University in 1998 from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.