Dr Gale Iles; Obituary, Death: It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that the Criminal Justice faculty at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) announce the sudden passing of Dr. Gale Iles on Friday, March 14, 2025. Dr. Iles, who passed away unexpectedly due to a sudden health-related event, leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, tireless community service, and an unmatched generosity of spirit that will be remembered by all who knew her.
Dr. Iles served as a professor of Criminal Justice at UTC for nearly 20 years, joining the university in 2006 after earning her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. During her distinguished career, she became a recognized expert in the areas of courts and sentencing, areas that she approached with both intellectual rigor and compassion. Her contributions to the field of criminal justice were vast, and her scholarly work was highly regarded.
She co-authored nearly 20 peer-reviewed works and was awarded more than $1 million in grant funding to support her research and initiatives. Her commitment to her students was nothing short of extraordinary. Dr. Iles was not just a professor but a mentor and guide to thousands of UTC students. She took immense pride in her role as an educator and was deeply invested in helping her students succeed both academically and professionally. Through her passion for teaching and her unwavering support, she inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in criminal justice, encouraging them to make a difference in their communities and in the world.
Her students remember her not just for her academic excellence but for her genuine care and her relentless drive to grow their professional networks and help them achieve their dreams. Dr. Iles was not only a remarkable academic but also a tireless advocate for her community. She served in numerous capacities, giving freely of her time and expertise to improve the lives of those around her.
She was a member of the Hamilton County Community Corrections Advisory Board, where she worked to enhance local corrections policies. She served as a consultant for the Hamilton County Family Justice Center, where she helped support families affected by domestic violence. She was also an evaluator for the Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative, a volunteer for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, and a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga.
Her involvement in these organizations was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a belief in the power of service to improve the lives of others. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Iles was a person of many talents and passions. She was an accomplished flutist and spent nearly a decade as a member of the L’abri Symphony, where her musicality brought joy to all who had the privilege of hearing her perform.
Gale’s love for the world was also evident in her travels, having visited more than 30 countries across the globe. These experiences enriched her understanding of people and their struggles, and she gained a profound appreciation for the diversity of cultures and the resilience of individuals. Her global perspective shaped her outlook on life, and she shared that wisdom with those around her.
But perhaps the most defining aspect of Gale was her boundless generosity. She possessed an unmatched generosity of spirit, always seeking to give back to others in meaningful ways. Her kindness knew no limits, and she quietly helped those in need without expecting recognition. One of the most poignant examples of her generosity was her role as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. She took her Little Sister on a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expense-paid cruise, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
On another occasion, when Gale learned that a UTC student was struggling financially, she paid the student’s tuition out of her own pocket—without ever seeking credit for her act of kindness. These are just a few of the countless examples of Gale’s selflessness, and they serve as a testament to the depth of her character. Her humility was as profound as her generosity. Gale never sought the spotlight or public recognition for her acts of kindness. Instead, she quietly made the world a better place, one thoughtful and caring gesture at a time.
It was only when others shared their stories of how Gale had helped them that we began to realize the extent of her impact. To know Gale Iles was to know a person of deep integrity, compassion, and grace. As we reflect on Dr. Iles’ life, we are reminded of the many ways in which she touched our lives. She was a brilliant scholar, a devoted teacher, a compassionate mentor, a tireless volunteer, and a friend to all who knew her.
She lived her life with purpose and a clear commitment to making the world a better place, and she succeeded in ways both big and small. Those who had the privilege of knowing Gale are undoubtedly better people because of her influence, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Dr. Iles is survived by her family, her colleagues, her students, and her many friends, all of whom are deeply mourning her loss. Her passing leaves a void that will be felt by all who knew her, but we take comfort in the knowledge that her contributions to her field, to her students, and to her community will live on.
Dr. Gale Iles may no longer walk among us, but her impact on our lives will never fade. We are all better for having known her, and our world is truly a lesser place without her. Rest in peace, Dr. Iles. You will always be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration.
