Ernest Morrell South Bend,IN Death,Obituary:Coyle Professor of Literacy Education Has Passed Away
Dr. Ernest Morrell of South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on February 4, 2026. His death marks the loss of a legendary scholar, transformative educator, and multifaceted leader whose work reshaped the field of English education and literacy studies across the United States.
Born on April 27, 1971, Ernest Morrell dedicated his life to advancing critical English education as both a scholarly discipline and a classroom practice. His research and teaching centered on literacy, equity, culture, and justice, helping educators better serve students from diverse and historically marginalized communities. Widely respected for his intellectual rigor and humanity, Dr. Morrell’s reputation as a scholar, mentor, and colleague was unparalleled.
Dr. Morrell was a devoted member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for more than three decades. He served as NCTE President in 2014 and later became Director of the NCTE James R. Squire Office on Policy Research in 2020, where he championed research-driven educational policy and advocacy at the national level.
In 2024, Dr. Morrell held several distinguished leadership roles at the University of Notre Dame. He was the Coyle Professor in Literacy Education, Director of the Notre Dame Center for Literacy Education, and Associate Dean for the Humanities and Equity in the College of Arts and Letters. He also served as a professor of English and Africana Studies, bridging disciplines with insight and purpose.
Dr. Ernest Morrell’s legacy lives on through his scholarship, his students, and the countless educators he inspired. His impact will continue to guide the future of literacy education for generations to come.
