1. Auburn University’s College of Education welcomes
Dr. Betty Lou Whitford as its sixth dean since its
establishment in 1915. The college attracted Whitford,
in part, through its ability to build a better future for
individuals, the state, the nation and world through
outstanding teaching, cutting-edge research, and
meaningful outreach.
“Auburn presents itself as an institution that
I admire, that is serious about its mission and
emphasizes accessibility and outreach.
That, to me, is the best of all worlds, being a major
institution with a research mission but also being
serious about teaching and outreach.”
The Auburn University College of Education
welcomes to the Auburn Family
BETTY LOU WHITFORD, Ph.D.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DEAN
AND WAYNE T. SMITH
DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR

2. The feeling was mutual, given Betty Lou Whitford’s career-long focus on “doing
and knowing’’ and her understanding of how the two components affect teaching,
learning, schooling, and the lives of educators and students.
Over the course of her 38-year career, Whitford’s leadership style has been shaped
by her experiences in these roles:
• EDUCATOR: Beginning as a high school social studies teacher, Whitford
eventually moved into faculty positions at the University of Louisville,
Columbia University, and the University of Southern Maine.
• ADMINISTRATOR: Before coming to Auburn, Whitford served as dean
of the University of Southern Maine’s College of Education and Human
Development for eight years, as well as co-director of the National Center
for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST), at Teachers
College, Columbia University.
• SCHOLAR: In addition to producing numerous journal articles, book
monographs, and book chapters focusing on collaborative teacher education
and education reform, Whitford’s research has resulted in more than $3
million in grants and contracts. She has also served as director of the
University of Louisville’s Center for Urban Education Research and as co-
director of the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and
Teaching (NCREST).
• EXPERT: Whitford’s diverse experiences as an adviser include assisting the
U.S. Department of Education’s Comprehensive School Reform Research
Program, Lucent Technologies Foundation, and numerous professional
development partnerships.
A recipient of the University of North Carolina School of Education’s 2010 Alumni
Achievement Award, Whitford earned three degrees during her time in Chapel
Hill — a bachelor’s in social studies education, a master’s in teaching in political
science, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction and sociology of education.
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 530
Montgomery, AL
College of Education
3084 Haley Center
735 Extension Loop Rd
Auburn, Alabama 36849-5218
www.auburn.edu
©2010, Auburn University College of Education
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
“I really was attracted to Auburn from the beginning.’’
Learn more about us online at education.auburn.edu
Subscribe at education.auburn.edu/enews
to learn more about the college and
receive regular academic, research and
alumni news in addition to receiving our
annual Keystone magazine.Keystone