Sharon Ruth Brown Bailey ’75

Shay died Dec. 4, 2021. 
A graduate of East High School in her native Denver, Colo., at Princeton she majored in anthropology. Among her undergraduate activities was participation in a joint University-community dance troupe at the Princeton Youth Center. She met John Bailey there, and they were married in July 1975. Princeton’s Community House program recognized Shay and John in 2005 for their legacy of service.
After graduation Shay returned to her home state, earning a master’s degree in interdisciplinary social science and a Ph.D. in public administration from the University of Colorado. Over the course of her career, she became a leader in urban education and was recognized for having an important impact throughout Colorado communities. She held positions in higher education and government and at the time of her death was ombudsperson for the Denver public schools. 
Other professional work for Shay included positions as policy associate with the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education and member of the executive team of the Office of Denver Auditor. She was also a leader of the International Black Women’s Congress. 
In addition to John, Shay is survived by their sons, Musa, Ramu, and Kamau; and five grandchildren. The class shares their sadness.