9/12/02

REED NAMED HEAD OF AU'S TRUMAN PIERCE INSTITUTE IN EDUCATION

AUBURN -- Cynthia J. Reed, an Auburn University faculty member since 1997, has been named director of the Truman Pierce Institute in Auburn's College of Education.

She succeeds Frances Kochan, interim dean of the College of Education. Both are also faculty members in the collegešs Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology.

The Truman Pierce Institute is the college's research and outreach center and assists school systems around the state with programs to improve their operations and quality of education. The institute is named for a nationally prominent education dean at Auburn during the 1960s and 70s.

In announcing the appointment, Kochan said the institute is an important link between the college's faculty and teachers in schools across Alabama

"We are very pleased that Cindy has taken over in this position," said Kochan. "She brings creativity, dynamism and a commitment to creating partnerships with schools, universities and communities that will strengthen the Truman Pierce Institute and the College of Education."

Reed, an associate professor of educational leadership, is also co-director of the West Alabama Learning Coalition. The coalition is a consortium of eight school districts in partnership with institutions of higher education, community and faith-based agencies and local businesses for the purpose of simultaneous educational improvement and economic and community development.

The AU faculty member has a doctor of education degree in educational policy, planning and evaluation from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds degrees from the Oswego and Cortland campuses in the State University of New York system. From 1978-88, she was a teacher and principal in public schools.

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CONTACT: Reed, 334/844-4488; Kochan, 334/844-4446.