Sheryl Lee Ralph Named Rutgers University Commencement Speaker

Sheryl Lee Ralph attends as Janelle Monáe accepts the Seventh Annual #SeeHer Award at 2023 Critics' Choice
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Sheryl Lee Ralph attends as Janelle Monáe accepts the Seventh Annual #SeeHer Award at 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for SeeHer)
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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.