Transatlantic poetry critic and award-winning University of Houston scholar Sally Connolly has died. Connolly – a champion of students and faculty alike – passed away Sept. 28 after battling an aggressive cancer. She was 49.
Connolly’s interest in poetry began in childhood when she was taught by English poet John Mole at St. Albans School in Hertfordshire, England. She later studied English literature and poetry at University College London before receiving the coveted Kennedy Scholarship to study at Harvard University.
Connolly was a respected voice on American, British and Irish poetry and published two works of literary criticism: “Grief and Meter: Elegies for Poets After Auden” and “Ranches of Isolation: Transatlantic Poetry.” At the time of her death, she was working on a novel about the poetry of the AIDS epidemic.
Connolly joined the department of English in 2008 and was promoted to Associate Professor eight years later. Known for her sharp wit and intelligence, she used every resource at her disposal to make sure UH students received the support needed to succeed academically and in their careers.
"Professor Connolly brought intellectual rigor and genuine compassion to everything she did. The English department has lost not just a brilliant colleague, but a true advocate for our students and department," said Lauren Zentz, English department chair. "She had just received, with delight, her notification of the department's endorsement for her promotion to full professor."
In 2020, she joined the leadership team of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) as associate dean of faculty and student success. In this role, she mentored many students who competed for and won internationally recognized awards – including Marshall, Truman, Gates-Cambridge and the Rhodes scholarships. Connolly was fueled by a deep-seated belief in CLASS students, championing their global successes as evidence of the University of Houston’s world-class excellence.
"Dr. Connolly revolutionized how we support and mentor our students and faculty. She saw potential in everyone and worked tirelessly to help the CLASS community achieve opportunities many thought impossible,” said Daniel P. O’Connor, CLASS dean.
“Her vision and leadership have permanently shaped our college, and her legacy will continue through the countless students whose lives she changed.”
As associate dean, Connolly launched a college-level internship program to secure opportunities for humanities and social sciences majors at local organizations, including the Harris County Attorney’s Office, Heritage Society and Houston Mayor’s Office. She also mentored CLASS Ambassadors and was integral to creating CLASS Honors, the largest cohort of honors students on campus. Connolly also started the Be Seen webinar series and CLASS Discovery Week – annual CLASS campaigns that helped students and faculty capitalize on research opportunities and resources on campus and beyond.
The impact of her death will be felt globally. The UH community is invited to remember Connolly and honor her legacy at a memorial service organized by the English department on Oct. 24, 4-5:30 p.m., at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center's chapel.