College of Education announces Hall of Fame inductees

The College of Education at Illinois State University will induct nine alumni as new members into its Hall of Fame during Homecoming 2016 on Friday, October 7.

Richard Benson, Peotone, ‘54, M.S. ’55, earned his bachelor’s in elementary education and master’s in elementary school administration. Throughout his 63-year career as an educator and civil servant, he has served as a middle level English teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, national education consultant, adult educator, and village president.

 

 

Mary Camp, Peoria, ’76, M.S. ’88, Ed.D. ’11, earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, and certificate of advanced study. During 41-years of service to education, Camp has had national impact leading advocacy efforts for students with disabilities. Now retired, she is co-authoring the textbook Managing Student Behavior: Methods for Success.

 

 

Kathy Horvath, Chicago, ’80, earned her bachelor’s degree in special education. Now in her 37th year of service, she is a leading educational content expert in Illinois. Her ability to develop and communicate best practices has improved learning outcomes for students in her districts and across the state. She has served as a teacher, state field advisor, director of school improvement, assistant superintendent, and author.

 

Mark Pagel, Shorewood, ’90, M.S. ’01, earned his bachelor’s degree in middle level education and master’s degree in educational administration. He has a contagious enthusiasm for putting students first through his work as a K-8 teacher, coach, and administrator. His accolades include the 2010 Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year and Who’s Who Among American Teachers awards.

 

 

Joseph Rives, Moline, ’87, M.S. ’90, Ph.D. ’94, earned a master’s in psychology measurement and statistics and a Ph.D. from the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations. He leads economies of higher education to financial prosperity through the creation of new, sustainable programming and strategic planning at Illinois State and Western Illinois.

 

James R. Thompson, Normal, ’80, M.S.Ed. ’89, earned his bachelor’s in special education and master’s in educational administration, both from Illinois State University. Thompson is an internationally recognized educator whose tireless research led to a groundbreaking assessment to understand people with disabilities by their needs for extra support. He served as a professor and leader for the Department of Special Education at Illinois State for over 20 years.

Kimberly Thomas, Peoria, ’93, earned her bachelor’s in middle level education. She has taught middle level math in Peoria Public Schools for 23 years. During her career, she has transformed struggling students into those who excel at math and look forward to her class. In 2016, the Illinois State Board of Education recognized her as the state’s teacher of the year.

 

Outstanding Young Alumni

Heather Costner, Santa, Fe, New Mexico, ’06, earned her bachelor’s in deaf education. Costner is a catalyst for school improvement in the field of deaf and hard of hearing. During a 10-year career serving schools in four states, she has inspired countless students to recognize their true potential and colleagues to reach further for learners.

 

 

Kristin Richey, Lombard, ’08, earned her bachelor’s in middle level education. Through skillful collaboration and coaching, her successes in the classroom have positively impacted student learning in schools across her district and state. She is also a sought-after presenter of educational technology and reading strategies.