Eastern Michigan University will honor four EMU graduates for their work in and out of the field of education by inducting them into the College of Education Hall of Fame.
A reception and induction ceremony, both open to the public, will take place Friday, April 18, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Student Lounge (second floor) of the Porter Building. Dinner, which is by invitation only, follows and will take place at the University House.
Those eligible for the Hall of Fame include alumni of the University who have distinguished themselves in the field of education or alumni of the College of Education who have distinguished themselves in education or other professions.
"This year, we are inducting really impressive individuals who have had long careers in education. Every year, we have really special people. But, this year, the honorees really stood out to our selection committee," said Kelly Simpson, director of development for the College of Education and a coordinator of the event.
The COE Hall of Fame has helped EMU continue to be one of the best producers of educators in the country by recognizing and awarding excellence, Simpson said.
"This is our opportunity to recognize these remarkable individuals and tell them that we are proud of them," said Simpson.
This year's honorees are:
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Barringer |
Mary-Dean Barringer is the chief executive officer (CEO) of All Kinds of Minds and the former national director for the Schools Attuned program. She was a founding board member of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and then served as vice president of Outreach and Mobilization. Barringer began her career in special education. She was hired to develop and teach in one of the nation's first public school programs for autistic children in Detroit. In addition to teaching, this challenge offered her the opportunity to develop innovative curriculum, inform district and state special education policy and lead teacher development throughout the country. After 13 years in special education, she received the first "International Teacher of the Year Award" from the Council of Exceptional Children. Barringer received her doctorate from Michigan State University, a dual-major master's degree from Wayne State University and a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University.
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Warren |
Larry Warren has extensive experience in hospital administration. Currently the chief executive officer of the Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., Warren has been in several administrative positions in hospitals. He was the director and CEO of the University of Michigan hospitals, health centers and human services. He has been in the following positions at Michigan Health Corporation: vice chair, chief operating officer, interim director, CEO, senior associate director, associate director and administrator for acute care services. Warren serves on the District of Columbia Hospital Association Board of Directors and has served on a list of other boards. After receiving numerous awards and recognition, he was awarded the School of Public Heath Mentorship Award. Warren received both his master's degree and bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University.
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Fancher |
Frederick Bartlett Fancher attended EMU when it was known as Michigan State Normal School. Records show Fancher received his teaching certificate, circa 1870. In 1871, he entered the insurance business in Chicago. After moving to North Dakota in 1881, he began a large farming operation near Jamestown. He also operated an insurance company and served as president on the board of trustees at the State Hospital in Jamestown. Fancher's first political venture was serving as president of the Constitutional Convention in 1889. He organized the Alliance Hail Association, and ran for state insurance commissioner and served two terms. Fancher became the seventh governor of North Dakota in 1899 and served until 1901. After governing North Dakota, he moved to Sacramento, Calif., and operated a wholesale and retail grocery business until he retired in 1925.
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Gwaltney |
Thomas M. Gwaltney has a wide range of experiences in the field of education. His career began at Wyatt Elementary in Wyatt, Miss., where he first served as a seventh/eighth grade teacher before becoming the principal at the age of 19. Gwaltney is a member of many professional organizations, including the Alliance of Teachers of Foreign Languages and American Association of University Professors. During his 50-year-and-counting career, Gwaltney has presented more than 100 professional juried and non-juried presentations. Currently, he is working on research; writing and composing poetry that concerns the nature of teaching and learning. Gwaltney received his doctorate from Southern Illinois University and his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University. He devotes time as an ordained minister of visitation at Crossroads Baptist Church.
