Melvyn Semmel, a researcher and educator who helped shape the nation’s understanding of students with disabilities, has been named the Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development’s 2007 Distinguished Alumnus. Peabody Dean Camilla Benbow will present Semmel with the award during Commencement, Friday, May 11.
The annual award recognizes significant career and community achievements, as well as a reputation of excellent character and a respected and ethical work record.
“Melvyn Semmel’s research has profoundly influenced the field of special education,” Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development, said. “His work has shaped teaching practices in this discipline and informed and transformed federal policies relating to students with disabilities. We are very proud to count him as an alumnus and are delighted to be presenting him with this well-deserved award this year.”
Semmel started his career as a special education teacher in Harlem and the southeast Bronx after working with street gangs as a group social worker. He graduated from Peabody College in 1963 with a doctorate of education with an emphasis in mental retardation from the Department of Psychology and Human Development. During his career, Semmel was the founding chair of special education departments at the State University of New York at Buffalo and at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has published approximately 150 scholarly articles, mentored dozens of doctoral students and received more than $19 million in research funding. Among his many career achievement awards, he was the inaugural recipient of the Research Career Award from the Council for Exceptional Children.
Semmel retired, professor emeritus, from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1994. Since his retirement, he has devoted most of his professional time and energy to international policy consulting, evaluation, research and pro bono volunteer work.
To learn more about Peabody, visit http://peabody.vanderbilt.edu.
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