"When you see an older woman dancing, don't ask why. Dance, too." - SIS Proverb
Remembering Gloria Wade Gayles, Ph.D.
Honoring the Life, Voice and Vision of a Spelman Legend
The memorial service honoring the life and legacy of Gloria Jean Wade Gayles, Ph.D., will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Sisters Chapel.
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life magnificently lived that we announce the passing of a true Spelman legend, Gloria Jean Wade Gayles, Ph.D A scholar, poet, mentor, and activist, Dr. Wade Gayles was more than a professor; she was a foundational pillar of the Spelman sisterhood. For decades, her voice resonated through our halls, urging our students to find their own "pushed back to strength" moments and to “claim our space”.
A Spelman and Morehouse Family
Dr. Wade Gayles’ devotion to the HBCU community was reflected in her own family. She was the proud mother of Monica Gayles Dorsey, C’91, and Jonathan Gayles, a distinguished Morehouse alumnus. Her legacy continues to bloom on our campus today through her granddaughter, current student Tyler Kate Dorsey, C’2026. Our prayers are with them and their entire family during this time.
A Legacy of Intellectual Excellence
- Dr. Wade Gayles’ contributions to Spelman and the broader academic world are immeasurable. Her work in English and Women’s Studies paved the way for generations of Black feminist scholars.
- She was the visionary behind the Spelman Independent Scholars (SIS) program, an intergenerational oral history project that connected our students with the wisdom of African American women elders.
Through works like Pushed Back to Strength: A Black Woman’s Journey Home and My Soul Is a Witness, she articulated the complexities of Black womanhood with unparalleled grace and honesty. - She was the inspiration behind RESONANCE, a performance group of alumnae and students delivering our Spelman history through spoken word during our Founders Day Convocation.
- Known for her rigorous expectations and even deeper love, she didn’t just teach literature; she taught Spelmanites how to navigate the world with dignity.
Support and Remembrance
The loss of such a matriarch is felt deeply across our campus and by alumnae worldwide.
- For students seeking support, the Counseling Center is available for walk-ins and appointments.
- For faculty and staff seeking support, please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-523-5668.
Dr. Wade Gayles often reminded us that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Today, we honor the steady foundation she provided and the enduring light she left for every Spelmanite to follow.
In sisterhood and sorrow,
Spelman College
Gifts and Donations
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in memory of Dr. Gloria Wade Gayles to establish the Dr. Gloria Wade Gayles Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Spelman College. Please mail checks to 350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 1303, Atlanta, GA 30314, or make an online donation at the Dr. Gloria Wade Gayles Memorial Endowed Scholarship web page. In both instances, please specify that your gift is honor of Dr. Gloria Wade Gayles.
Share Photos
If you would like to share memories of Dr. Wade Gayles, we invite you to upload photos of special moments. These images will be lovingly compiled into a gallery celebrating her impact and enduring influence.
Honoring the Legacy of Gloria Wade Gayles, Ph.D.
Gloria Wade Gayles, Ph.D., served as a faculty member from 1983 to 2026, teaching in the English Department (1983–1998) and the Psychology Department (2001–2026).
