Former GSE Assistant Dean George Timmons passes away

An original member of the Educational Leadership Department, George Timmons, passed away March 4, 2013. He was 92.

Dr. Timmons was a Benson High School graduate and obtained a bachelor’s degree at Oregon State University which started him on a successful career in public education.

He earned his doctorate from the University of Oregon in 1964, and joined PSU as a professor. Along with Errett Hummel, Dr. Timmons created a certificate program for school administrators. With Errett Hummel and Jack Lind, he initiated a superintendent’s certificate and began the GSE’s doctorate in education.

He was a WWII veteran who served in the 41^st Division in the South Pacific and led an army band. Music was a life-long passion for Timmons who performed in his band, “Dr. T and His Orchestra,” until he was 90.

Dr. Timmons and his wife, Margaret have four children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A service is scheduled at Finley-Sunset Hills Chapel on March 9, 2013 at 10am. 

Oregonian obituary

PACE student selected as PSU summer commencement speaker

GSE students have dominated the podium at PSU graduations this year. Emily Coleman, MS (VIL), and Jacob Sherman, MS (LSE), were chosen for this year’s spring ceremony held at the Rose Garden in June. Now add Debra Kidney to this year’s list of outstanding Portland State GSE graduates.

Debra Kidney, BA ’84, an Educational Leadership master’s graduate, was one of two students tapped to speak to the 700 students and their families and friends attending PSU’s summer commencement ceremony, Saturday, August 18, 2012—the last graduation ceremony PSU will hold in the Park Blocks. Ms. Kidney specialized in the Postsecondary, Adult, and Continuing Education (PACE) program and completed the Training and Development program in Continuing Education.

“Debra’s dedication to empowering adult learners and her passion toward workplace learning has been evident in her academic commitment in both the PACE master’s degree and the Training & Development programs,” said Program Manager Toni Plato. “Her positive personality, professional experience and education from the GSE all contribute to her ability to inspire adults to keep learning a lifetime priority. We are very proud of her.”

Read more:
www.pdx.edu/commencement/profile/debra-kidney

GSE alumna named 2012 Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year

Lizi Aguilar-Nelson, IAL ’05, CAL ‘10, principal at Richmond Elementary School in Salem, has been awarded the top state honor for an elementary principal by the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the Oregon Elementary School Principals Association (OESPA). Ms. Aguilar-Nelson is a recent graduate of the PSU Initial Administrator Licensure program (Salem cohort), and recently completed the PSU Continuing Administrator Licensure program as well.

Educational administration faculty Wink Miller and Dan Johnson retire

Two faculty members of the PSU Educational Administration program were feted at a retirement party held at the PSU Salem Center offices in June, 2012. Professors Winston “Wink” Miller and Dan Johnson began the successful cohort model in Salem and are retiring this year.

The Initial Administrator Licensure (IAL) program serves students in several sites across Oregon, including the Mid-Willamette Valley. These two faculty developed the cohort model for this program 22 years ago and it has become the standard for the preparation of principals and school administrators.

PSU Alumnus Sean Burke takes top state honor

Sean Burke, IAL/MA ’02, Assistant Principal of Curriculum at McMinnville High School, has been named Oregon’s 2012 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA). As a state winner he was automatically entered into the national competition, placing in the top three finalists.

Mr. Burke has been an educator at McMinnville for 18 years, 10 as curriculum vice principal. He has been a social studies teacher, sports coach, and athletic director. He is described by his colleagues as quiet, optimistic, and dedicated. “My focus is on the students and increasing the number of kids who are prepared for going to college and having a career,” he says.

GSE doctoral student Kevin Ricker named OR High School Principal of the Year

Centennial High School is excelling in many areas these days, thanks to Principal Kevin Ricker, EdD ’13. He has been named 2012 Oregon High School Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA). He will receive his award at the annual COSA Conference in Seaside, OR, in June, and attend the national awards gala in Washington, DC, in September.