Reading Expert Honored
By Janet Roehl
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ne of the leading experts in reading and literacy is being inducted into the ENMU College of Education and Technology Educator Hall of Fame. Dr. Gay Su Pinnell (BA 66) earned her undergraduate degree at ENMU before earning advanced degrees in reading education at Ohio State University. “I am glad that I grew up in a small town and then spent the first four years of higher education there as well. Eastern offered a familiar environment with new ideas that helped me grow and change. I left well prepared for anything big I would encounter,” comments Dr. Pinnell. “The Eastern faculty members were supportive and student-oriented. They took personal responsibility for high quality teaching,” Dr. Pinnell says. “When I later became a college teacher, I drew from many good models.” Dr. Pinnell has extensive experience in
classroom teaching and field-based research, and has developed and implemented comprehensive approaches to literacy education. She was instrumental in bringing Reading Recovery to the United States and has devoted herself to supporting its expansion. “Every child needs excellent teaching, year after year. Excellent education depends on good teaching; and it is, or should be, a national priority,” Dr. Pinnell states. Dr. Pinnell received the International Reading Association’s Albert J. Harris Award for research in reading difficulties. She received the Charles A. Dana Foundation Award, given for pioneering contributions in the fields of health and education. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame. Her passion for reading research and pedagogy has resulted in a profusion of publications focused on supporting teachers and students in literacy development. She has co-authored
Dr. Gay Su Pinnell
many publications on reading, writing, creative thinking and professional development for teachers. “Preparing teachers was a high priority at Eastern and it remains so today. It’s interesting to think of the sweeping impact that Eastern graduates have had on children over the years. Everyone at this University should be proud.”
National Junior College Hall of Fame Inductee
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lint Ramsey (MS 66, BA 60) dedicated his career to coaching student athletes. He spent 13 of those years coaching track at South Plains College (SPC) for which he is being recognized at the National Junior College Cross Country Championship in November. Coach Ramsey will be inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Hall of Fame.
Clint Ramsey
A native West Texan, Clint began his relationship with South Plains College in 1969 when he accepted the head track and field coaching position following a successful six years at Portales High School as the track and football coach. 12
Green & Silver | November 2014
By Noelle Bartl
While at South Plains, Clint coached dozens of NJCAA AllAmericans as well as several national champions and record holders. His teams twice finished as NJCAA runner-up and Clint was chosen NJCAA Track and Field Coach of the Meet in 1979 and 1981. One of his former SPC athletes had never run before joining the college team, but went on to be an Olympian in 1984 as an intermediate hurdler. The athlete earned two national titles while running for Coach Ramsey. A former Greyhound, Clint played basketball for ENMU from 19561959 under Coach Al Garten, with one year as conference champions. After his years at SPC, Clint worked at Texas Tech for nine years full-time, and 16 years part-time, as the head of athletic counseling for student athletes. Today, living in Lubbock, Clint volunteers at the high school regional track meets and the Big Twelve Conference. When not volunteering, you’ll see Clint at most of the Greyhound home football games. He is also very involved with 30 other retired coaches in the “Old Coaches Society.” The Lubbock group chips in and purchases sports equipment for underprivileged children, and they donate to Buckner Shoes.
