University leaders, colleagues and members of the community recently gathered for a formal ceremony to dedicate the atrium in the College of Education in honor of dean emeritus Mary Lynne Calhoun.
Ellen McIntyre, current dean of the college, presided over the ceremony and spoke of the indelible mark Calhoun left on the college and her role in advancing the College of Education’s reputation and impact within the field of education. Under Calhoun’s leadership “Professional educators transforming lives” became the conceptual framework of college programs in teaching and research. Additionally, the college served as a national model, receiving distinguished reviews from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, reflecting on Calhoun’s legacy, stated, “I’ve always thought of Mary Lynne as the happiest dean. She always extended a great deal of optimism… always the can-do dean. This honor forever links her legacy to the future of this campus.”
Echoing these sentiments, Provost Joan Lorden said, the College of Education building “exemplifies the brightness of Dean Calhoun. We knew there had to be something in this building to represent her great contribution to the University.”
Calhoun retired in 2013 after 31 years of service to the University. She began her career as an assistant professor of special education before rising through the ranks. In 1996, she was named chair of the Department of Counseling, Special Education and Child Development, and, in 1999, she was appointed dean of the College of Education.
“I love that there is a tangible reminder of my time here,” Calhoun said. “I hope this will be a little reminder to those who travel through this building that there was someone here who is still rooting for them and loving them.”