Donna Ford, professor of special education, is one of 14 university professors recognized by the Southeastern Conference for achievement in research and scholarship.
The SEC announced April 10 the winners of its 2013 Faculty Achievement Awards. These annual awards honor professors from the SEC’s 14 member universities who have meritorious records in teaching and scholarship and who serve as role models for other faculty and students.
“The SEC Faculty Achievement Awards provide an opportunity for each SEC university to showcase the strengths of its faculty, who excel in many disciplines with varying areas of expertise,” said SEC and Auburn University President Jay Gogue. “In the SEC, we are fortunate to have professors who understand the value of classroom instruction, research guidance and scholarly contributions to the overall success of student education.”
The SEC Faculty Achievement Award winners were chosen by a selection committee of SEC provosts.
Ford conducts research primarily in gifted education and multicultural/urban education. She consults regularly with school districts and educational and legal organizations in the areas of gifted education, advanced placement and multicultural/urban education. She is the author or co-author of several books, more than 120 articles and book chapters and has made more than 600 presentations at professional conferences and in school districts. Ford is the recipient of the Early Career Award and the Career Award from the American Educational Research Association, among other honors.
In addition to the SEC Faculty Achievement Award, Ford was also awarded Vanderbilt’s own Harvie Branscomb Distinguished Professor Award for creative scholarship on April 3.
“[Ford’s] research takes a hard look at systemic problems of racial inequity in education, with a particular focus on the achievement gap that divides minority students from their higher-achieving white peers,” said Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos.