Carol Wallace Sherman, a respected educator and longtime resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 89. Known for her significant contributions to the field of dance and her advocacy for women’s rights in academia, Sherman left an indelible mark on the College of William and Mary and the broader educational community.
Born on April 16, 1936, in Watertown, New York, Sherman was the daughter of Neil M. Wallace, a West Point graduate, and Eleanor Marguerite Seller, a graduate of the New York School of Fine and Applied Art. Her upbringing as the child of a career army officer led her to experience a nomadic early life, with vivid memories of Native American crafts and culture during her childhood in Oklahoma and Kentucky.
Sherman graduated from Hollins University in 1957 with a degree in Dramatic Art and a minor in Psychology. She furthered her education at Sarah Lawrence College, earning a Master’s degree in Dance and Fine Art in 1958. Over the course of her 42-year career, she held faculty positions at several prestigious institutions, including Indiana University, San Diego State University, and the North Carolina School of the Arts.
At the College of William and Mary, Sherman served as a Professor of Dance for 36 years, where she was instrumental in shaping the college’s arts program. In 1985, she and her colleague, Professor Shirley Roby, received the inaugural Thomas A. Graves Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching, a recognition that continues to honor educators at the college each year.
Legacy of Advocacy and Community Engagement
In addition to her role in dance education, Sherman was a passionate advocate for women’s rights. Appointed by the President of William and Mary, she chaired an ad hoc committee on the Status of Women and later established the first College-wide Affirmative Action Advisory Board. Her leadership resulted in the implementation of numerous recommendations that enhanced the university’s commitment to gender equality.
Beyond her academic achievements, Sherman actively contributed to her community. She volunteered with FISH, a local organization that provides essential services to those in need, and served as a substitute for Meals on Wheels. Her dedication extended to teaching for the Christopher Wren Association and the Osher Institute for lifelong learning, reflecting her commitment to education at all stages of life.
Sherman is remembered not only as an accomplished educator but also as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She married Roger Durand Sherman, a fellow professor and talented lighting designer, and together they enjoyed a vibrant life filled with travel and shared passions. She is survived by her husband, three stepchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, among other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life and Remembrance
A celebration of Carol Wallace Sherman’s life will take place on February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 3051 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory.
Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in her name may consider donating to FISH, the Williamsburg Universalists Endowment Fund, or the Roby/Sherman Dance Scholarship Fund at the College of William and Mary.
Carol Wallace Sherman leaves behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and commitment to education that will inspire future generations. Her impact on the lives of her students, colleagues, and community members will be fondly remembered and cherished.
