01/14/2025
The following message was sent to faculty and staff members on behalf of President Erik J. Bitterbaum
Dear campus community members,
It saddens me deeply to share that Regina Grantham, associate professor emerita of communication disorders and sciences, passed away Jan. 13. Regina was an icon on our campus — someone who made a positive difference in many lives because of her excellence in speech-language pathology and her service to others and the greater Cortland community.
Details about services will be shared when they are available.
I will always remember Regina as a trusted and welcoming mentor to countless members of our campus community. Featured in the university’s Beloved Community Narratives project, Regina was a passionate advocate for antiracism, equity and social justice at SUNY Cortland, in the community and in her profession. She was inquisitive and reflective, and she always had heartfelt advice for anyone in need.
When Regina served as a keynote speaker at SUNY Cortland’s Commencement in 2023, she told our graduates: “You’re valued every moment, so value the lives of others.” Regina exemplified that advice in all her life’s work.
She was an innovative leader in speech-language pathology for more than 50 years at the local, regional, state and national levels. A member of the university’s faculty since 1993, she served 17 years as department chair. Regina spearheaded the creation of a master’s degree program in speech-language pathology in 2013 and contributed to the success of the Center for Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders, which serves the entire Cortland community.
Regina participated in many university-wide committees and initiatives, including Faculty Senate. She also was a founding member of Women of Color and the Cortland County Community of Color, a collaborative venture between SUNY Cortland and Tompkins Cortland Community College. Her extensive involvement in the community included serving on the boards of the Tompkins Cortland Community College Foundation, YWCA of Cortland, Cortland Loaves and Fishes and Grace & Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.
The American Speech Language and Hearing Association honored Regina with the title of fellow, one of the highest awards given by the profession’s international organization. She was recognized with honors by the Central New York Speech Language and Hearing Association, the New York State Speech Language Hearing Association and was named Zonta’s Woman of Achievement in 2014. She also received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in 2004.
Regina was very fond of the work of American memoirist and poet Maya Angelou, and I will always recall a quote that she shared with our graduates: “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious, but the desire to reach hearts is wise.” Regina touched many minds and hearts. I hope you will join me in supporting her colleagues and loved ones, and always remembering her legacy at SUNY Cortland.
President