In Memory of Professor Cheryl Wall

April 6, 2020

Dear Members of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Community:

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of one of Rutgers' beloved faculty members, Dr. Cheryl Wall, who sadly passed away this weekend.

As President Barchi shared in his message, we were graced with Dr. Wall's brilliance for nearly half a century at Rutgers. She was an accomplished faculty member who received numerous, well-deserved honors of distinction, including being named as the Board of Governors Zora Neale Hurston Professor.

Dr. Wall was an instrumental member of the School of Arts and Sciences Department of English where her contributions have become the essence of the school and our institution. While her intellect, profound teaching excellence and passion for literature made her an exceptional professor, it was her mentorship, guidance, and ongoing dedication to her students, colleagues and Rutgers University that set her apart.

A trailblazer and sustaining force, Dr. Wall drove the establishment of the African American literature field within the Literatures in English graduate program at the School of Arts and Sciences and expanded and strengthened the reputation of the program which empowered students, encouraged a broad scale appreciation of the humanities, and provided a path for continued education in literature. An established author of her own, Dr. Wall broke barriers as she illustrated her expertise and scholarship about African American literature and African American women writers in her many nationally and internationally renowned publications.

Dr. Wall inspired us to embrace new ideas, to stand for what we believe in, and above all else – to be kind. I am grateful to have had Dr. Wall as a colleague, and we are all fortunate to have had her as a member of the Rutgers family.

While the Rutgers community will not be the same without Dr. Wall, I know she leaves behind a lasting legacy. As we reflect and remember Dr. Wall, I share this video in her memory as a tribute to her accomplishments.

My heartfelt condolences are extended to Dr. Wall’s colleagues, students, family, and friends during this time.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Molloy, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Rutgers–New Brunswick