Wendell Harris, professor and administrator at several New York educational institutions, passed away suddenly on September 28. He was 83 years old.
Harris began his career teaching fifth grade in Jamaica while serving in the Peace Corps. He eventually returned to the United States and taught in K-12 schools in Cleveland, Ohio. Later on in his career, he transitioned to higher education and taught African American studies at the University at Albany. From there, he went on to serve as an administrator with several institutions including Bard College, the University of Rochester, and Schenectady Community College. Before his retirement in 2003, he spent several years supporting failing schools with the New York Department of Education.
Harris held a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Youngstown State University in Ohio, a master’s degree in education from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and a master’s degree in Afro-American studies from the University at Albany.
