Sheryl Lee Ralph Named Rutgers University Commencement Speaker

Loading the player…

Abbott Elementary actress Sheryl Lee Ralph will be getting her doctorate this May. She has been announced as Rutgers University’s commencement speaker for this year’s graduation.

Ralph, a Rutger’s alumna, will be awarded an honorary doctor of fine arts degree when she addresses graduates at Rutgers University-New Brunswick’s 257th anniversary commencement on May 14. When she attended the New Jersey college, she graduated near the top of her class at age 19 and was the youngest female graduate at that time from Rutgers College.

She is currently one of the main cast members of ABC’s hit sitcom Abbot Elementary. She plays Barbara, a vetted teacher in the Philadelphia area. The show swept award season this year with wins at the Emmys, Golden Globes and NAACP Image Awards.