Dr. Suellen Crano passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the USC Norris Cancer Center in California, surrounded by her loved ones.
Throughout her life, Suellen made significant contributions in the fields of educational leadership and cancer research and advocacy . She served as Vice President for Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at Western University, a graduate university of medical sciences in Pomona, California. She also held related roles at notable institutions including Texas A&M University, George Washington University, The University of Arizona, State of Michigan Department of Higher Management Systems and Wyeth Laboratories, Inc.
As a long-term survivor of peritoneal mesothelioma, Suellen helped to define the concept of mesothelioma advocacy. In keeping with her lifelong commitment to improving lives through education and health awareness, she frequently shared her personal journey and insights, substantially increasing awareness and understanding of the disease. Her participation in a research study at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, led to important discoveries about the rare genetic mutation that caused her mesothelioma, prompting changes in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Dr. Crano also served as a board member of WiRED International, an organization focused on providing access to medical and health education in underserved regions around the world, using computer technology.
Her 1993 article on A Measure of Adjustment Strain in International Students of high school age from five South American countries was featured in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology.
Suellen made great contributions to international drug prevention by helping to create a worldwide network of experts in the effective use of media. From 2018-2022, Dr. Crano served as manager of Claremont Graduate University (CGU)'s Media Based Prevention Certificate Program, led by her husband and professional partner, Dr. William Crano, for the study of media-based prevention science. The course focuses on the importance of using evidence-based, theory informed media messages and campaigns to promote healthy behaviors and prevent initiation of substance use, to lead people to treatment, and to reduce likelihood of relapse .
Suellen provided enthusiastic and skilled support in organizing and executing the program. She greatly enjoyed working with participants, stayed in contact with them, and made frequent visits to their projects. She worked closely on strengthening the networks that were established across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Her work was instrumental in maintaining connections and fostering continued collaboration among these groups, contributing to the program’s broader impact and sustainability. Her work has had a lasting impact on global drug prevention.
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