Wilson Named 2008-09 Paul W. Bryant Professor of Education at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, co-department chair for curriculum and instruction at The University of Alabama, has been named the 2008-09 Paul W. Bryant Endowed Professor in the UA College of Education.

A member of the UA faculty since 1994, Wilson’s honors and research awards include the Ross Palmer Service to Students Award which she received in 2006 from UA’s College of Education. Her research awards include Best Paper Recipient for “From preservice to inservice teaching: A study of technology integration,” and “Social Studies Methods Course at the University of Alabama—Historical Field Trip” featured in the Gallery of Exemplary Practices in Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education.

Wilson earned her bachelor’s and master’s in secondary education, social studies, from The University of Alabama. She completed her doctorate in social studies and reading education from Louisiana State University.

“She is an outstanding teacher and great motivator,” said Dr. Jim McLean, dean of the UA College of Education. “In addition, her engagement research with schools and teacher education blurs the lines among teaching, research and service. She more than upholds the tradition established by the previous holders of this prestigious professorship.”

“Dr. Wilson truly exemplifies the spirit and principles of the Paul W. Bryant Endowed Professorship,” said Miguel Mantero, department head of secondary curriculum, teaching, and learning. “As a member of our faculty, Dr. Wilson continues to inspire a new generation of teachers and collaborate successfully with the community to help improve our schools. It is an honor and a privilege to help support the many facets of Dr. Wilson’s work as a scholar and mentor in the department of curriculum and instruction and in the College of Education.”

Robert “Bud” Moore and other friends established The Coach Paul W. Bryant Endowed Professorship to honor the memory of the legendary University of Alabama football coach, Paul William Bryant (affectionately known as Coach Bear Bryant), who inspired many student athletes to pursue a career of teaching and coaching young people, and to promote faculty excellence in the College of Education at The University of Alabama.

Bryant earned his Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education from the College of Education while he played football for The University of Alabama. When he returned to the University as head coach, he led the Crimson Tide to six national championships, 12 SEC championships, and participated in 24 consecutive bowl games, and, in 1982, he was named the “winningest” coach to date with 315 wins. Moore played on Coach Bryant’s first team at UA.