Dawn Schrader, moral psychology expert, dies at 67

Dawn Schrader, associate professor in the Department of Communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, known for her intellectual rigor and deep humanity, died Jan. 6 at age 67.

Schrader dedicated nearly four decades of her career to advancing moral psychology and shaping the intellect of generations of students and colleagues.

"Her ability to connect with others was her superpower," said Lisa Nishii, senior vice provost for enrollment management and undergraduate education.

She helped students "foster their curiosity, personal development and holistic well-being," Nishii said. "Her insights were especially poignant during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dawn left an indelible mark on many and will be deeply missed."

Schrader's scholarship focused on the development of moral reasoning, metacognitive reflection and ethical action - work that became increasingly vital in an era of artificial intelligence and technological transformation.

She earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Miami University, her master's degree in education from The Ohio State University and her doctorate in human development from Harvard University.

She joined Cornell in 1988 as an assistant professor of education in CALS, later earning tenure and serving as the director of graduate studies in education. When the Department of Education closed in 2011, she transitioned to CALS' Department of Communication, where she taught popular courses such as Ethics in New Media, Technology, and Communication; and Communicating Leadership and Ethics.

Schrader's scholarly contributions spanned books, journal articles and international presentations on moral development, ethics in technology and privacy. Her work bridged theory and practice, influencing educators, technologists and policymakers worldwide.

To acknowledge her extensive service, Schrader was a two-time recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence: for teaching in 2005 and for faculty service in 2023. From 2022 to 2025, she served as president of the Association for Moral Education, shaping global conversations on ethics and education.

Beyond the classroom, Schrader served as faculty-in-residence at Court-Kay-Bauer Hall from 2019 to 2024, creating inclusive spaces for first-year students.

"I have always admired Dawn for her spirit of service," said Connie Yuan, professor of communication and global development in CALS. "She will be missed as a colleague and friend who was genuinely open and inclusive, with a gift of listening to and hearing others' differences."

She is survived by her daughters, Katherine Schrader '17 and Lauren Schrader '16.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to a GoFundMe campaign in Schrader's memory. Funds will support the dedication of a memorial bench at the Cornell Botanic Gardens. To contribute, please visit this webpage.

Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Anahita Verahrami is a leadership communications specialist for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.