Memorial Service Set for Nursing Faculty Member

March 9, 2021 | News, UToday, Nursing
By Tyrel Linkhorn



The University of Toledo community will come together to celebrate the contributions and legacy of Dr. Temeaka Gray El in a virtual memorial service on Wednesday, March 10.

Gray El, a faculty member in the UToledo College of Nursing, died Feb. 6 at her home. She was 49.

Dr. Temeaka Gray El, 49, a faculty member in the UToledo College of Nursing, died Feb. 6 at her home.

UToledo faculty, staff and students who wish to join the virtual memorial service can do so via Webex. The event begins at 6 p.m.

A Toledo native whose expertise spanned traditional medicine and complementary holistic healing, Gray El joined UToledo as a part-time instructor in 2006. She joined the University full time as an assistant professor in August 2013 and quickly moved into various leadership roles in the college. She served the University in a number of roles, including a term as a member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee.

“Dr. Gray El was a positive, vibrant force in the college, the University and the community, promoting wellness, positivity, balance and self-care,” said Dr. Linda Lewandowski, dean of the College of Nursing.

At UToledo, she taught both undergraduate- and graduate-level nursing courses. She also served as program director for the College of Nursing’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Program, which included five nurse practitioner specialties.

Lewandowski said Gray El was an expert women’s health nurse practitioner and was passionate in her commitment to students and to the health and well-being of the community. She was also an acknowledged nursing leader at the national level in her roles with various nursing organizations. She continued to be active in the community as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner and community advocate throughout her academic career.

Gray El held multiple degrees, including a doctorate in psychology from the University of the Rockies, an M.B.A. from Tiffin University and a master of science in nursing from the University of Cincinnati.

Gray El was going through the faculty promotion process at the time of her death. The UToledo Board of Trustees approved a posthumous promotion to associate professor at its Feb. 10 meeting.

Click to access the login or register cheese