UCF lost a pioneer as well as a friend and mentor of students and faculty on Oct. 2.
Cheryl Green, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, died of a blood clot after surgery on a perforated ulcer.
Green began her tenure at UCF in the late 1970s. A native of Atlanta, she earned her Ph.D. from Clark Atlanta University.
She was a practicing social worker when she came to UCF to teach, but her presence on campus meant much more to those who knew her.
"She was my true mentor," said Jane Allgood, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work.
Mentoring was the core of Green's impact at UCF.
She was known for her interaction with students, and she used personal relationships to push them to realize their true potential.
"She had the unique ability to show students and faculty that they could achieve more than they thought they could," said Joseph Green, no relation, the former director of Research and Mentoring and the current director of the McNair Scholars program.
Cheryl Green's manner drew students and colleagues to her.
She was a "tremendously warm person" with a rare sense of humor, Allgood said.
"She was one of the reasons I came to UCF."
Cheryl Green's humor put frustrated students at ease. She used deadpan wisecracks to break tension and allow levity in stressful situations.
"She was fun and laid back, in and out of class," said Renea Forde, a 2007 graduate from the School of Social Work. "She was willing to help anyone in need."
Cheryl Green offered guidance in serious situations, Forde said.
"You always knew that she was really listening to you," she said.
Cheryl Green also knew how to tell students the truth.
"She was the type of person who would tell you how it is," Joseph Green said.
Thanks to her straightforward and kind nature, Cheryl Green's office was a home for many students.
Ida Cook, an associate professor in the sociology department, said that Cheryl Green's office was always crowded and stocked with candy, gum and soda for visiting students.
"She viewed [her students] as an extension of her," Forde said.
Cheryl Green put herself into everything she did. She dedicated time to organizations and causes, on campus and off.
She was one of the earliest members of the Black Faculty Student Association, an active participant in the African-American Student Association, a fellow of Faculty for Teaching and Learning, and a mentor for the McNair Scholars program. She also helped pioneer the John D. Washington Honor Society in the Burnett Honors College.
When Cheryl Green came to UCF, she was one of three black faculty members in what was then called the School of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work. She strived to bring black professors to UCF and worked with the school's diversity initiatives.
Her involvement extended beyond UCF and into the community.
She participated in the establishment of the Nap Ford Community School, located on West Livingston Street near North Parramore Avenue, and served on the board of directors.
Cook said that Cheryl Green frequently devoted time and energy into making sure the school was a success.
Allgood said that Cheryl Green helped work-study students get placed at Nap Ford.
The arrangement was beneficial to the school, as well as the students who gained hands-on experience from her help.
Cheryl Green's big impact on her students also came from the little things.
When one of her students lost a brother in a drive-by shooting, Cheryl Green threw a graduation party for him in her home because he didn't have family in the area.
"It was the small things she did," Allgood said.
Even in spring 2007, when she was out on sick leave, she continued to actively work on the re-accreditation for the School of Social Work. She didn't allow her responsibilities to suffer because of her illness.
"She would never stop working for the people that she cared about," Forde said.
Cheryl Green's caring manner affected both students and faculty, and she was an example for her colleagues of how to interact with students.
"She taught me to not be afraid to put myself in the classroom," Allgood said. "She taught me how to have that conversation with a class, rather than lecturing at them."
Those who knew and loved Cheryl Green hope to see permanent recognition of her contributions on campus.
Cook suggested naming a building or a room after her while Joseph Green offered the idea of a community service and discussion series in her name.
Plans for a scholarship fund for students are already underway.
"She was an honest person, and she cared about things deeply," Cook said. "She would fight the good fight on behalf of other people. She gave her all for other people and made a difference."
A memorial service will be held on Oct. 18 in the College of Health and Public Affairs Building I at 6:30 p.m. Students, faculty and community members are welcome.
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