Dr. Valerie Stephanie Saddler

Dr. Valerie Stephanie Saddler, 73, of Winston Salem, NC departed this life on June 22, 2025, at Forsyth Medical Center after a brief illness.

Dr. Valerie Saddler, affectionately known as Valerie, and a native of Norfolk, Virginia, was born on July 15, 1951, to the late Dorothy Bell Saddler and W. Leo Saddler. She was educated in the Norfolk Public School system and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1969.  She followed in her parents’ footsteps and attended Hampton University and embarked on her Mass Communications/Journalism journey and obtained a Bachelor of Art (B.A.) degree in 1973. Valerie then matriculated to Illinois State University to earn a Master of Art (M.A.) degree in Speech Communications with an emphasis on Television and Journalism. Her enthusiasm for the field encouraged her to obtain a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from Ohio University in June of 1984 with an emphasis in Print Media. She was the only Black African American Female in this graduating class of scholars.

Valerie’s postgraduate and professional career began in 1974 as a Communication Specialist with The Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (S.T.O.P) in Norfolk, Virginia.  In 1975, she became an Instructor at Hampton University and was on faculty from 1975-1979. Valerie also was a Graduate Teaching Assistant with Ohio University from 1980-1983. In 1984, she began her extensive and impactful career with Winston Salem State University (WSSU) where she taught Print Journalism, Public Opinion and Persuasion, Law & Ethics of Mass Communications and Introduction to Mass Communication.   Valerie was also the advisor for the student newspaper, The News Argus for 13 years. Her impeccable achievements at WSSU also include becoming Chair of the Faculty Senate.   Her profound impact on her students has allowed numerous radio/tv personalities to establish themselves throughout the media world.  Valerie loved teaching and was passionate about them being successful.  She demanded that her students get it right the first time-with accuracy and integrity. She spoke often of their impact on her life and what they taught her in return.  Upon her retirement, Valerie was awarded Professor Emerita status after over 30 years of service and excellence.

She followed in her parent’s path of legacy and community service to include becoming a member of one of the most prestigious Sororities of the Divine 9, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She loved her Sorority and combined her love of the Sorority’s mission and principles to guide her career, life, and her impact on community service and development. She was also a member of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston Salem, NC.  In 2004, she encountered an obstacle that would change her personal and professional trajectory. Valerie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She endured this illness for over 21 years and did not allow her diagnosis to overshadow her determination to teach, execute her ability to adapt and make an impact not only on her students, faculty and friends, but also establishing a commitment to herself and continuing to be innovative to her professional community.  

Determined not to give up, her unwavering faith allowed her to go forth with this life altering disease while demonstrating strength, resiliency, tenacity, perseverance, and most of all FORTITUDE.

She is survived by her Goddaughter, Tamatha L. Hall (Kevin), niece Laiya T. Hall, nephew, Kevin Solomon Hall of Charlotte, NC and Edith Lee of Chesapeake, Virginia.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents Dorothy and W. Leo Saddler. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory a host of friends in her native home of Virginia; close friends: Ms. Marilyn L. Roseboro, Ms. Constance C. Carlton, Cathy Poole, Mrs. Shelby Moody (Deverrick), Mrs. Shantel McGowan (Ryan), Debbie Layman and Glenn Otterbacher of Winston Salem, NC; a host of former colleagues/students, neighbors and church family.

Special Thanks: United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Bermuda Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation, Damien C. Shell Cremation and Funeral Service Practitioners.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Winston Salem State University or Hampton University in memory of Dr. Valerie Saddler.

WSSU DONOR LINK

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