Linda B. Gambrell, professor emerita in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education at Clemson University and a past president of the International Reading Association (IRA, now the International Literacy Association, ILA), died on August 5, 2024, at the age of 82. Considered a towering figure in the literacy field, Gambrell’s contributions as a researcher, educator, leader, and friend leave an indelible mark on the profession and the countless lives she touched.
Her career was one of dedication, innovation, and quiet leadership. As Kathy Headley, emerita professor of literacy and senior associate dean at Clemson University, and a past president of ILA, aptly described, “Linda B. Gambrell was a steel magnolia. Gambrell possessed her own leadership style for supporting our beloved field of literacy. With her quiet energy, she guided three key literacy organizations as president. Her caring outreach touched the many lives of family, friends, colleagues, students, and teachers. She made a meaningful impact and will be missed.”
Gambrell began her career as a public school teacher, later becoming a reading specialist. Her passion for literacy motivated her to pursue a career in higher education, which eventually led to her serving as principal investigator at the National Reading Research Center and associate dean for Research in the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park (which is where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in Elementary Education). She joined Clemson University in 1999, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy, continuing to inspire the next generation of literacy educators.
Her research—particularly in the areas of reading comprehension, literacy motivation, and the role of discussion in teaching and learning—has been pivotal in shaping modern literacy instruction.
Lesley Mandel Morrow, distinguished professor at Rutgers University and also a past president of IRA, highlighted Gambrell’s exceptional contributions: “Linda was a distinguished scholar with her research, teaching, publications, and work with professional organizations. She was a very hard worker and very modest about her accomplishments. She ranks among the most important scholars ever in the field of literacy. She was a wonderful mentor and a true friend.”
Gambrell’s organizational leadership extended beyond her 2007–2008 presidency of IRA; she also served as president of the Literacy Research Association (LRA) and the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER). She was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 2004, which is a testament to her outstanding contributions. Further testament to her influence, Gambrell was the 2011 recipient of ILA’s William S. Gray Citation of Merit and the 2012 recipient of LRA’s Oscar S. Causey Award, which are both akin to lifetime achievement awards.
It was Gambrell’s research on reading motivation that was particularly influential, providing insights that continue to shape literacy education today.
She was a prolific writer. Gambrell coauthored several key books, including Lively Discussions! Fostering Engaged Reading and Maximizing Motivation for Literacy Learning: Grades K–6. She also served as coeditor of essential books such as Best Practices in Literacy Instruction and Improving Comprehension Instruction: Rethinking Research, Theory, and Classroom Practice. Her peer-reviewed articles, such as “Creating Classroom Cultures That Foster Reading Motivation” and “Seven Rules of Engagement: What's Most Important to Know About Motivation to Read,” are frequently cited and have guided educators in fostering a love for reading among students.
Beyond her scholarly achievements, Gambrell was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues. Kathleen Roskos, professor of education at John Carroll University and a coauthor with Gambrell, remembered her as someone who was not only an excellent researcher but also a welcoming and friendly presence: “Linda is remembered not only for her excellent research work and many contributions to the literacy field but also for her winning smile and friendly manner toward everyone. She always made you feel so welcome.”
Jacquelynn Malloy, associate professor at Clemson University, shared a vivid memory that encapsulates Gambrell’s graceful presence: “Linda was always a vision. Whether gardening or house cleaning or presenting at a conference, she was beautifully outfitted for the job,” she said. “I remember once when we were at a conference, she broke out a lovely turquoise, flowing sundress that she got on sale from Belk. She was always a bargain shopper and Gallant-Belk was her ‘go-to’ store. There was always a bit of a stir whenever Linda walked by, but I have such a fond memory of walking with her through a conference hotel hallway in that flowing dress with her silvery hair just so, and people just parting and stopping to watch as she passed. I just smiled and thought that I, as does anyone who had the honor of knowing Linda, knew that we were in the presence of someone quite remarkable. She was my advisor, my mentor, and my friend. She lives in my heart.”
Susan Neuman, professor of childhood and literacy education at New York University and a frequent collaborator with Gambrell, including coeditor of ILA’s Reading Research Quarterly from 2011 to 2017, shared similar sentiments: “She never lost her southern roots. You could see that southern charm at work in her presentations, her mentoring of other scholars, and even in her role as coeditor of Reading Research Quarterly. She was a generous and insightful scholar, a true consensus builder. She will be missed.”
Victoria J. Risko, professor emerita at Vanderbilt University and a past president of ILA, noted that Gambrell’s leadership in ILA was marked by her dedication to engaging and supporting literacy professionals worldwide. “As a leader, serving on ILA’s Board of Directors and as ILA’s president, Linda was dedicated to engaging and supporting literacy professionals around the world. As a caring friend to multiple members of ILA, Linda’s memory will be cherished.”
Barbara A. Marinak, dean and professor of reading in the School of Education at Mount St. Mary’s University, shared a personal reflection: “Linda was my doctoral advisor at the University of Maryland (UMD). She was also my friend, mentor, and hero. In addition to her tireless dedication on behalf of her graduate students, Linda was a visionary leader in our field. Linda was funny, optimistic, and celebrated life. As such, she coined a name for Dr. Jacquelynn Malloy and me. We were and always will be the DOLs (Daughters of Linda). This loving and generous reference comes from the fact that I was Linda’s final doctoral defense at UMD and Jackie was her first defense at Clemson. We are proud to bookend her esteemed career at these two institutions.”
For many, in addition to being recognized as an impactful scholar, Gambrell was a role model. MaryEllen Vogt, professor emerita at California State University, Long Branch, past president of IRA, and current president of the Reading Hall of Fame, summed it up: “For me, Linda Gambrell was a model of what a professional woman in our field could be. She was bright and beautiful, with her heart planted deeply in the classroom, as she focused her research on motivating both reading teachers and the children they taught. An exceptional literacy leader, she was strong and fearless, but she also enjoyed a good laugh. She will be missed.”
Peter Afflerbach, professor emeritus at the University of Maryland, also described Gambrell as fearless.
“I had the privilege of working with Linda at the University of Maryland for 15 years, and I always thought of her as the quintessential steel magnolia,” he said. “Fiercely dedicated to her students, to children, to the idea of research informing practice, and the idea of literacy for all. All wrapped in her good graciousness.”
In addition to being a staunch advocate of students, Gambrell will always be remembered as a fierce supporter of educators.
“She advocated for curriculum and instructional decision making that honored the voices of literacy educators,” said Risko, who recalled powerful words from Gambrell’s Best Practices in Literacy Instruction. “Linda’s advice continues to be as extremely important in 2024 as it was in 2007: ‘Optimal literacy teaching and learning can only be achieved when skillful, knowledgeable, and dedicated teachers are given the freedom and latitude to use their professional judgment to make instructional decisions that enable students to achieve their full literacy potential.’
“As literacy educators,” Risko urged, “we must carry this advice forward.”
Colleen Patrice Clark is editor of Literacy Today, ILA’s member magazine.