In memoriam--Nancy Quisenberry.

We are saddened to share with our ACEI family the news of the recent passing, on September 27, 2006, of Nancy Quisenberry, Professor Emerita at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, ACEI President 2001-2003, 1996 recipient of ACEI's Outstanding Member Award, 1999 recipient of ACEI's Patty Smith Hill Award, and ACEI/NCATE Representative 1989-2006.

Nancy obtained a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree, both in home economics, at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. She taught 3rd grade for two years in the Indianapolis Public Schools. Then, she and her husband, Jim, taught for a year at the American Dependents School in Baumholder, Germany. Upon returning to the United States, Nancy taught 1st grade and then pursued her doctorate at Indiana University in Bloomington. She received her Ed.D. in elementary education, specializing in early childhood and linguistics. Her dissertation was nominated by the Iota Chapter of Pi Lambda Theta for a distinguished research award in 1972.

In 1971, Nancy was hired as an assistant professor for curriculum and instruction in the College of Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She spent 27 years as a member of the faculty at SIUC, becoming an associate professor in 1976 and full professor in 1980. In 1976, Nancy joined the Dean's office of the SIUC College of Education and spent 20 years as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and retired in 1998 after spending two years as Interim Dean of the College of Education.

During her academic career she published extensively, including five books. ACEI was very fortunate to have her editorial leadership on two important books: Educators Healing Racism and Racism in the Classroom: Case Studies. She had dozens of articles published in professional journals and presented papers more than 100 times, including 30 abroad. She was very active in the Association for Childhood Education International and with the Phi Delta Kappa Association. She became active with the International Council on Education for Teaching, serving as president of that organization and with the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education, serving on their board of directors for two years. Her administrative service was recognized through the Dare to Be Great Award from the Women Administrators in 1989 and being named a University Faculty Woman of Distinction in 1994.

Nancy's son, James, is gathering thoughts about Nancy in letters or notes to Nancy's grandson, Will. If individuals would write down some of their thoughts about Nancy and frame them into a letter or note to Will, it will both serve as an opportunity to reflect on her life and contributions to our lives and will, someday, provide a view for Will into what a special person Nancy has been and about the reach of her life. Mail letters to 209 Pell Circle, Urbana, IL 61801. Copies forwarded to Headquarters will be added to Nancy's Patty Smith Hill Award binder.