The Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice
(SHSU-COCJ) commemorates the life of Dr. Marilyn Ee, a criminal justice
doctoral student who passed away in her home country of Malaysia this past
January after battling cancer for two years.
Beginning her doctoral studies in 2019, Marilyn spent her
time at SHSU demonstrating academic excellence and forging impactful
connections with fellow students, faculty and staff. The scholar’s dissertation
chair, Dr. Yan Zhang, said Marilyn approached her work with both rigor and heart
and always strived to make a difference.
“Marilyn was an exceptional scholar, a dedicated student,
and a person of remarkable warmth and integrity. As her dissertation chair, I
had the privilege of witnessing her intellectual curiosity, perseverance and
commitment to meaningful research,” said Zhang. “It was truly a privilege to
guide her through her doctoral journey and to know her as both a student and a
friend. Her legacy will endure not only through her scholarly contributions but
also through the lives she touched along the way. She will be deeply missed and
always remembered.”
“Marilyn was a rare kind of person, someone whose strength
didn’t need to be loud to be felt deeply. She faced cancer with a courage that
never wavered, even on her hardest days,” Pratt said. “There was a quiet
bravery in her, paired with an unmistakable lightness, an ability to remain
upbeat, to keep showing up and to keep giving to others even while she was
fighting so much herself.”
To honor Dr. Ee’s life and academic contributions, COCJ will hold a remembrance ceremony at the college’s annual Honors Day on April 23, where her family will be presented with her posthumous doctoral degree and graduation regalia.
Dr. Ee’s published articles can be accessed through the links below.