2009
Roy A. Weaver and Rex A. Stockton

Roy A. Weaver, professor of curriculum at Ball State University, is a recipient of the Teachers College Outstanding Alumni Award for 2009.  He received a B.S. in English in 1968 and a M.A.E. in curriculum in 1971 from Ball State University, and he earned an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Indiana University in 1975.

Dr. Weaver is the former dean of the Ball State University Teachers College, a position he held for 16 years. The decade before he served as associate dean.  Before coming to Ball State to teach in what is now the Department of Educational Studies in 1980, he taught at the University of Southern California for five years, and prior to that he taught high school English for a number of years.

During his tenure as dean, Weaver spearheaded a period of tremendous growth and innovation within Teachers College.  The college established the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities and the Professional Development Schools Network.  He oversaw the Ball State Office of Charter Schools and Burris Laboratory School, which in 2009 received Four Star designation from the Indiana Department of Education and was named among the nation's best high schools by U.S. News and World Report.

Weaver is the brainchild of the university's successful Electronic Field Trip (EFT) program that has transported millions of schoolchildren worldwide to historic places and scenic wonders through Web-based lessons and live, interactive television broadcasts. He is also credited with the requirement—a first on campus—that every student in the college have a laptop computer.

He left his mark on a number of programs and initiatives that shaped Teachers College into one of the premier education schools in the country.

In 2003, Dr. Weaver received the Educator of the Year Award from the National Association for Gifted Children.  Throughout his 40-year career in education, he has served on several boards and been associated with numerous grants, publications, and presentations.  His professional career has focused on long-range planning, school choice, curriculum innovation, and technology.

Rex A. Stockton, chancellor's professor of education in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at Indiana University, has also been selected as a 2009 Teachers College Outstanding Alumni Award recipient.  He earned his Ed.D. in counseling and guidance in 1968 from Ball State University.  He received both his M.A. (1960) and B.A. (1959) in psychology from Eastern New Mexico University.

Since 1968, Dr. Stockton has held a wide variety of academic, administrative, and professional responsibilities at Indiana University.  For several years he was associate dean in the Office of the Vice President and dean for research and advanced study.  Additionally, Dr. Stockton has served as director of the Center for Human Growth.

Stockton has developed a three videotape group leader training for the Association of Specialists in Group Work.  The series is entitled Developmental Aspects of Group Counseling: Process, Leadership, and Supervision.  It is nationally distributed by the American Association for Counseling.

He has received several major research awards for his work.  For example, he is a recipient of the American Counseling Association's Extended Research Award and the Association for Specialists in Group Work Eminent Career Award.  Most recently, he received APA's Division 49, the Arthur Teicher Award.  He is also a recipient of the Burton W. Gorman Teaching Award at Indiana University and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision's Distinguished Mentor Award.  In addition to his research efforts, Dr. Stockton has conducted many workshops, nationally and internationally. 

As well as his consulting, instructional and research activities, Stockton has held numerous offices and committee assignments in professional societies. He is a Fellow of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and of the American Psychological Association. He is a Certificant of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stockton has been active in counseling organizations at the state, national, and international level.  Most notably, he has been a division President of the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, and President of the Research and Assessment Corporation for Counseling.  These activities have given him a perspective on the development of counseling globally.

Dr. Stockton was honored for his years in professional activities, research, and instructional and clinical work by a special issue (September 2005) of the Journal of the Association for Specialists in Group Work.  Currently, he leads a project focusing on counselor training and research related to HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

2008
Liz Rothlein and Shannon O'Dell

Liz Rothlein (a.k.a. Myrna Christman) has been chosen as a Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus for 2008. She joined the University of Miami faculty and served as a full professor, director of field experience, and associate dean during her 30-year tenure in the School of Education. She received the Professor of the Year Award in 1981.

Dr. Rothlein focused on early childhood education, reading, and children's literature. She co-authored approximately 25 books including the "Read It Again!" series, "The Complete Guide to Thematic Units: Creating the Integrated Curriculum," and "Learning Through Literature." She is the co-author of numerous research articles, which include "Play in Preschool Classrooms: Perceptions of Teachers and Children" published in the Journal of Early Education.

For seven years, Dr. Rothlein was a resident master and associate master at Eaton and Stanford Residential Colleges. She also received membership in University of Miami's most prestigious honorary society, The Iron Arrow Society.

She has been a member of the American Educational Association (AERA), Council for Exceptional Children for Young Children (CEC), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Florida Association for the Education of Young Children (FAEYC), and American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

Dr. Rothlein was a member of the NCATE Board of Examiners for over ten years and participated in the accreditation process of nine colleges/universities. She served as co-director of twelve U.S. Department of Education federally funded teacher education training grants during her tenure at the University of Miami, such as "Gaining Readiness and Achieving Competency for Instructing All Students (GRACIAS)."

In August 2007, Dr. Rothlein retired from her position as associate dean at the University of Miami School of Education.

Shannon O'Dell has also been selected as a recepient the 2008 Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus Award. In 2000, she graduated cum laude from Ball State University with a B.S. in elementary education. She earned a minor in reading and a kindergarten endorsement. Her teaching career began in August 2000 in Garrett, Indiana, as a head start lead teacher and, in December 2000, served as a second-grade literacy remediation teacher. From 2001 through 2003, Ms O'Dell taught in Durham, North Carolina, where she earned her reading recovery certification. She served as a reading recovery teacher, a K–2 literacy leader, and a Grades 3–5 literacy leader.

Since 2003, O'Dell has taught for the United States Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). She has taught kindergarten, 3rd grade, reading recovery, and served as a literacy coach at Wetzel Elementary School in Baumholder, Germany. Baumholder schools are part of the large Kaiserslautern District. By serving as a mentor, O'Dell has been valuable in helping Ball State University student teachers adjust to and flourish with the demands of living and teaching abroad. She has helped them with teaching and classroom management ideas, involved them in extra-curricular activities with students and parents, and urged them to take advantage of professional development opportunities during their student teaching experience. She has provided that sometimes much needed connection to home.

O'Dell has won numerous professional awards. In 2004, she received the Literacy Leadership Award for the Kaiserslautern District. In 2005, she received the National PTA Life Achievement Award and the Scroll of Appreciation from General B.B. Bell, the United States Army Europe commander. She received the 2006-2007 United States Army Garrison Baumholder Volunteer Award. And in 2008, she was the Kaierslautern District Teacher of the Year. In just a few years of teaching, O'Dell has been recognized many times for her teaching and volunteerism.

2007
Eugene G. White

Eugene G. White, superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), has been chosen as the Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus for 2007.

He earned a B.S. from Alabama A&M University in 1970, a M.S. from the University of Tennessee in 1971, and an Ed.S. in 1981 from Ball State University, and in 1982, an Ed.D. in education administration and supervision from Ball State.

He was a teacher, coach and school administrator in the Fort Wayne Community Schools for 19 years. He was the first African American high school principal in the Fort Wayne Community Schools, where he served as principal of Wayne High School from 1985 to 1990. In 1990 he became the first African American high school principal of North Central High School in Indianapolis, serving until 1992. He was deputy superintendent of the Indianapolis Public Schools from July 1992 to January 1994. He served as superintendent of the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township for 11 years. In 2005, Dr. White was named superintendent of IPS, the state's largest school district.

During his 38 years in education, Dr. White has served in a number of leadership capacities, including president of the American Association of School Administrators in 2006-2007.

His accomplishments have been honored with several awards, which include the National Association of Black School Educators Superintendent of the Year in 2007; Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents Outstanding Educator in 2006-2007; Ball State's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005; and the Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2002.

He is the author of the book, Leadership Beyond Excuses: The Courage to Hold the Rope.

2006
Lance Brand

Lance Brand, a high school science teacher at Delta High School, Muncie, Indiana, has been named the 2006 Outstanding Teachers College Alumni recipient. He received his B.S. in 1995 and M.A. in Biology in 1999 from Ball State University. He began teaching in 1997 at Driver Middle School in Winchester, Indiana, and then joined the faculty at Delta High School in Muncie in 2003.

Brand redesigned Delta's biology curriculum and started a weeklong summer science program. The program had over 70 students participate in 2005. Since he was hired at Delta, the school's enrollment in advanced science classes has increased. Brand's philosophy is "to provide his students with the necessary encouragement and leadership to develop lifelong learning habits, positive self-esteem, and the ability to think critically."

  "Lance reaches every student at the level where they are" said Delta Principal Greg Hinshaw. "Lance is a professional in every respect—by his appearance, his actions, and his classroom discipline."

In recognition of his exceptional educational talent, outstanding accomplishments, and contagious enthusiasm, in 2005 he received a Milken National Educator Award. In 2000, Randolph Central School Corporation presented him with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Education. During his career in education, he has been the recipient of several grants.

2005
Joseph M. Olah and Wendy Robinson

Joseph M. Olah, a middle school art teacher at Lake Ridge Middle School in Gary, Indiana, has been named a 2005 Outstanding Teachers College Alumni recipient. He received his B.A. in 1981 in art education. His classroom is considered an unconventional art museum. Created by his students over 15 years, every imaginable surface – doors, tables, shelves, sinks, ceiling – has been painted as a replica of art masterpieces from each movement throughout art history. The ceiling is reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. Each ceiling tile is a distinct work of art evoking a gallery of ever-changing images. Experiencing it is an "artistic ambush."

His students have consistently won numerous awards in the Tri-County (Lake and Porter Counties, Indiana and Cook County, Illinois) junior/senior art show. During September-November 2003, the Northern Indiana Arts Association (NIAA) features his students' artwork in an exclusive show called "FurnARTure." In conjunction with the NIAA, Joe selects students from his art program for scholarships at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. He also conducts a gifted and talented art program at his school providing special students unique learning opportunities in art.

Several pieces of Joe's students' work have been purchased by public and private collectors. He donates the proceeds from these sales to needy families in the school corporation and community.

In a sad note, one of Joe's former students was Jeannette Winters, the first female Marine killed in wartime activity in Afghanistan. He donated an American flag createdy by his students to the Winters family and spearheaded a memorial in the school, which was attended by United States military dignitaries.

Joe was selected as the 1998 Hispanic Coordinating Council Teacher of the Year. He was nominated and selected as the 2004 Indiana Art Educator Association Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Wendy Robinson, superintendent of Ft. Wayne Community Schools, has been named a 2005 Outstanding Teachers College Alumni recipient. Dr. Robinson received her Ed.D. in educational administration and supervision from the Department of Educational Leadership in 1996. She is the first African American school superintendent of the Ft. Wayne Community School Corporation and also the first female superintendent.

She worked her way up from the "ranks" from classroom teacher (Ward Elementary School, teaching Grades 3, 4, and 5) to assistant principal (Memorial Park Middle School, then Weisser Park Elementary School) to principal (Price Elementary School, 1988-91) to area administrator (reporting directly to the superintendent, 1991-94) to assistant superintendent (reporting directly to the superintendent, 1994-95) to deputy superintendent (reporting directly to the superintendent, 1995-2003) to superintendent (2003-present). She demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and talent in each position. She is an instructional leader with a strong background and knowledge in effective teaching and student achievement.

She was distinguished as a student in her doctoral studies at Ball State, being recognized as recipient of the "Distinguished Dissertation Award" by the Graduate School. Only one such award is given each year and is based on a rigorous review of a number of outstanding research studies. Dr. Robinson is a member of the Teachers College Board of Distinguished Visitors, a tribute to her commitment to the University and her respected scholarly and administrative prowess.

2004
William Hatcher

William Hatcher was named the 2004 Outstanding Teachers College Alumnus. Bill retired June 30 from serving as superintendent of the Kern High School District in California. Kern is the largest high school district in the state. A 1964 graduate with a double major in social science and business education, Hatcher completed his master's degree at Ball State in 1967 with a major in business education.

During his 40-year career in education, Hatcher taught social studies at the high school level and economics, political science, and sociology at Bakersfield College. He provided leadership as department chair of social sciences at Shafter High School and also coached varsity wrestling.

In recognition for his expertise in teaching, in 1972 he received the State Merit Award as outstanding geography teacher by the National Council for Geographic Education. In 1978 he was chosen as a special assistant to the superintendent and was assigned to the Kern High School District Task Force to work full time on developing a plan for desegregation and graduation requirements.

His accomplishments in this position led to his being appointed in 1981 to the California State Department of Education Advisory Committee on Desegregation. From 1993-1998, he served as principal of Centennial High School in the Kern High School District. From 1998 until his retirement, he was director of the Kern High School District Educational Foundation.

That same year, he was appointed assistant superintendent of instruction. A year later, he was named superintendent. In 2002 the California Association of Educational Office Professionals named him State Educational Administrator of the Year.

2003
Robert Pickett

Robert Pickett, a first-grade teacher at Marion Elementary School, has been chosen as the Ball State University Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus of 2003.

For Robert Pickett, this award has been one of many that this innovative educator has received during his 24-year career. Already this year, he has been honored as the teacher of the year for Indiana and the Marion-Adams School District. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2002, the Love of Reading Grant in 1998, the Shining Star Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1990 and many more.

"Robert Pickett brings pride to the university and to the teaching profession by virtue of his personal and deep commitment to children and their learning, their lives, their families and communities," Dean Weaver of the Teachers College said. "He inspires them with his creative, interesting and engaging teaching. He models the values of strong character and leadership. He is the kind of teacher we all wish we could have had."

Professionally speaking, Pickett followed in the footsteps of one his earliest role models—his first-grade teacher. "Pauline Richardson was the inspiration and the reason for my success and love for learning. Mrs. Richardson's discipline and demeanor were such that I had no choice but to respect, admire and emulate her. She is 93 years young and will to this day relate the story of my telling her as a first grader that I wanted to be a first-grade teacher, too," Pickett said.

Pickett earned the B.S. degree in elementary education at Ball State in 1979, and the M.S. degree in elementary education at Indiana University-Kokomo in 1983. He began his teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher. Just two years into his career, he moved to Marion Elementary and began teaching first grade—the same position he has held for the last 22 years.

He is a member of the Hamilton County, Indiana State and International Reading associations, the Marion-Adams Education Association, Indiana State Teachers Association, the National Education Association and of Kappa Delta Pi, honor society in education.

2002
Duncan N. P. "Pat" Pritchett, Jr.

Duncan N. P. "Pat" Pritchett, Jr., superintendent of Indiana's largest school system, has been named Teachers College 2002 Outstanding Alumnus.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Pritchett has served the children of the Indianapolis Public Schools in a variety of roles, including elementary school teacher, supervisor of staff development, elementary school principal, director of elementary education, administrative assistant to the superintendent, chief of staff, interim superintendent, and assistant superintendent for facilities management.

Dr. Pritchett received his Ed.D. from Ball State University in 1999.

"Pat Pritchett exemplifies the best of what should be expected of an educational leader," said Roy Weaver, dean of Teachers College. "He is an advocate for school-university partnerships; cares deeply about students and their families; is a strong supporter of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. He keeps informed of policy issues and best practices and seeks to leverage them for the betterment of all Indianapolis citizens."

As IPS superintendent, Dr. Pritchett oversees the operation of a 41,000-student school system. He works with the Board of School Commissioners to develop and implement district policies; provides effective leadership in the organization, administration and supervision of the schools and the corporation; analyzes and provides the appropriate educational resources to the students; and oversees an annual budget of more than $435 million.

Since becoming superintendent in December 1997, Dr. Pritchett has refocused the corporation's priority on instruction, resulting in improved test scores. He has implemented a system-wide focus on reading designed to improve achievement, and has initiated a program that makes algebra the standard for eighth-grade mathematics instruction.

Dr. Pritchett served as vice president of the Indiana Urban Schools Association and is on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He has been a member of the National School Volunteer Program, the National Staff Development Council, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Dr. Pritchett's civic commitments have included the Indianapolis Commission on African American Males, the Children's Museum Advisory Committee, and the Interagency Council for Serious Habitual Offenders' Comprehensive Action Program.

Dr. Pritchett's honors include being named 2000 Outstanding Administrator by the Indiana Music Educators Association, recipient of the 2000 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New Millenium Education Award from the Indiana Christian Leadership Conference and Martin University, and the 2000 Indiana National Guard Appreciation Award.

2001
Joseph O. Erne and Ceola Digby-Berry

Joe Erne has been named the Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus for the year 2001. During his 33 years of service, Mr. Erne has served as an elementary school principal, assistant elementary principal, and Grade 5 teacher in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is currently the director of Human Resources for the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township.

Mr. Erne earned his bachelor's degree from Ball State in 1968, his master of arts degree in elementary education in 1971, and has completed post-graduate work in administration.

Mr. Erne has been active in his community and in his profession. He was selected as the Washington Township Administrator of the Year in 1995 and has received other community and district recognitions. Mr. Erne is a past president of Butler's University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, past president of the Indiana Association for Employment in Education, past president of Kiwanis Club of Castleton, treasurer of the Washington Township 4-H Advisory Board, past president and current member of Purdue University Marion County Extension Board, Washington Township School District Coordinator of United Way Campaign, served on the Simon Youth Foundation Community Advisory Committee and Program and Scholarship Committee, and board member of the Washington Township Schools Foundation.

Ceola Digby-Berry has been named the Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus for the year 2001. Dr. Ceola Digby-Berry is a licensed psychologist and a health service provider in psychology. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she currently maintains private practices that employ thirty-five therapists in Muncie and New Castle, Indiana.

Dr. Berry is a provider of mental health services (QMRP) for the physically, psychologically, and learning challenged. She is a gerontologist. She is the only psychologist in the state of Indiana who is fluent in the Language of Sign. She is an EMDR Specialist and a First Responder Critical Incidence Debriefer (CID) locally and nationally for bank robberies, industrial accidents, earthquakes, and airplane disasters. She served as a trauma specialist at the Pentagon and New York World Trade Center. She is a diplomat mental health service provider of sport psychology (CSP). She is to serve as a 2002 ambassador's psychological delegate to Cuba. She is the former vice chair of the State of Indiana Psychological Licensing Board. She is a member of the Board of Trustees at Ball State University.

She is a founding member of the Indiana Sport Psychology Association and maintains membership in national and state psychological associations; National and State Association of Black Psychologist; state and local mental health associations for which she serves as ombudsman promoting recognition and treatment of clinical depression. Community service activities include the Private Industry Council (JTPA), Indiana State Social Services Block Grant, United Way Community Needs Prioritization Team, Family Services, League of Women Voters, and Court Appointed Social Advocate for Children (CASA). She is the administrator of the Ceola W. Mays Award for the Coalition of 100 Women. She is frequently a guest lecturer for national conventions, has appeared in print, broadcast, television media, and as a Muncie Star Press community representative editor. She is the recipient of the Daughters of America Revolution Award, New York State Regents Scholarship, National Council of Negro Women's Mary Bethune Community Service Award, Vivian Conley Award, and the International Who's Who of Professionals.

Dr. Berry has a bachelor of arts in social welfare from California Baptist College, Riverside, California; a master of arts in guidance and counseling from European Campus, Ball State University; and a doctor of philosophy in psychological counseling and guidance services from European Campus, Ball State University.

2000
Rex Bolinger

Rex Bolinger, principal of Angola High School in Angola, Indiana has been named the Teachers College Outstanding Alumnus for the year 2000. "Few educational leaders in the nation exemplify the moral, academic, and caring commitment for all those concerned about education--colleagues, parents, students, business and community leaders--than Rex Bolinger," said Roy Weaver, dean of Teachers College at Ball State University.

A 1969 graduate of Winchester Community High School, Dr. Bolinger has received three degrees from Ball State University. He earned his bachelor's degree from Ball State in 1973, his specialist in education degree in 1990, and his doctorate in educational administration in 1992. Dr. Bolinger has been principal of Angola High School since 1987.

Under his leadership Angola High School has experienced 13 years of continuous school improvement. In 1995, the school became only the second school in Indiana to be restructured under an intensive 4-block schedule. Angola High School was named Indiana's Most Outstanding Successful High School in 1996-97 and 1998-99. His efforts at Angola High School earned him recognition as Indiana High School Principal of the Year for 1997-98.

Dr. Bolinger received the Milken Foundation National Award for his work at Angola High School in October 1999. "As dean of Teachers College, I had the recent privilege of observing Dr. Bolinger recognized by the Milken Family Foundation in Los Angeles as one of the few, most respected and honored educators in the nation. It was with great pride I shared in this honor, knowing that his impact on others is far beyond measure," said Dr. Weaver.

Dr. Bolinger has authored several publications on the effects of socioeconomic levels on SAT scores, block scheduling, and school restructuring and has made numerous presentations at regional and national professional meetings. He has served as a consultant to schools in Killeen, Texas and schools affiliated with the National School Conference Institute in Denver, Colorado. He has conducted numerous workshops on school restructuring and school-to-work partnerships.

Dr. Bolinger is professionally active in many professional and community organizations. He is a past member of the Indiana Professional Standards Board and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Alliance of High Schools. He is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Indiana Association of School Principals, Midwest Educational Research Association, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. In his community, he is past president of the Angola Parks and Recreation Board and served as chair of the Steuben County United Way Campaign in 1994. He is a past secretary to the Steuben County Junior Achievement Board and a past member of the Steuben County AIDS Task Force. Prior to becoming principal at Angola High School, Dr. Bolinger's professional career was spent at Eastside High School in Butler, Indiana. He served as principal from 1982-87, assistant principal from 1979-82, athletic director during 1978-79, and a mathematics teacher from 1973-79.