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Housel recognized as consummate Auburn woman

Susan Housel

Susan McIntosh Housel `73, a College of Education graduate and member of its National Advisory Council, earned the 2012 Pamela Wells Sheffield Award presented by the Office of the President and the Auburn Athletic Department.

Presented since 1991, the award recognizes women who exemplify the grace, character and community-minded spirit of the late Pamela Wells Sheffield `65, an elementary education graduate whose husband and children also attended Auburn.

Housel served as a teacher for 27 years, spending the final 14 before her retirement at Wrights Mill Road School in Auburn. She earned an elementary education degree from Auburn, a master’s in elementary education from Troy University and an education specialist degree from Samford University.

Housel considers it a high honor to be selected for the Sheffield Award given its focus on service.

“The recipients of the Pamela Wells Sheffield Award are women who have served Auburn with their time, talent, resources and truly with their hearts,” Housel said. “They have been mentors, advocates, leaders, and even pioneers whose involvement and commitment have impacted lives for the greater good. I am blessed to know many of these women as friends and am humbled to stand with them in our love for Auburn.”

Housel serves the College of Education as chair of its National Advisory Council’s Internal Relations Committee and is also a member of its Development Leadership Team. She recently established a scholarship in memory of her grandfather, Thomas E. Bonner, and is also a member of the college’s Dean’s Circle and Honor Roll.

Housel also remains active in university and community organizations and activities as well, including Habitat for Humanity and Auburn United Methodist Church. She served as a board member and grants chair for the Foundation for Auburn’s Continuing Excellence in Schools, an enrichment program for Auburn City Schools, and as a three-term president of the AU Campus Club.

Of the Pamela Wells Sheffield Award’s 20 recipients, 10 have connections to the College of Education:

Gwen Ferris Reid `81, the 2011 recipient, earned a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology education. Reid helped Auburn through several successful fundraising campaigns as assistant vice president of central development.
Dr. Joyce Reynolds Ringer `59 (2010), an elementary education graduate, served as a member of the college’s National Advisory Council.
Carolyn Brinson Reed `65 (2008), earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She has served Auburn through the AU Foundation Board and the Auburn Alumni Association.
The late Sandra Bridges Newkirk (2006) served the college for more than 40 years as assistant professor of kinesiology.
Dr. Susan Sorrells Hubbard '87 (2004), earned a bachelor's degree in home economics education, a master's degree in vocational and adult education and a doctorate in education.
Dr. Debbie Shaw `84 (2000) earned her master's degree and doctorates in higher education administration and now serves as vice president of alumni affairs and executive director of the Auburn Alumni Association.
Kym Haas Prewitt '86 (1999) received a bachelor's degree in English language arts education and currently serves on the College of Education's National Advisory Council.
Dr. Jean Welsh '85 (1998) earned her master's degree and doctorate from Auburn in rehabilitation and special education.
Dr. Jane Moore (1996) served as a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology (formerly Health and Human Performance) for 22 years.

Last Updated: Nov 26, 2012