Contact:

Jeff Hale, 277-2915 Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

May 25, 2001

UNM COLLEGE OF EDUCTION CREATES FIRST-EVER ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP IN HONOR OF FORMER DEAN, TEACHER EDUCATION

University of New Mexico College of Education (COE) Dean Viola E. Florez recently launched a campaign to create a first-ever endowed professorship and chair for the college. The Chester C. Travelstead Professorship in Teacher Education honors the former dean (1956-1968) and VP/Provost (1968-1977) for his contributions to the College and UNM. It also exemplifies the college's dedication and service to public education in New Mexico, said Dr. Jeff A. Hale, COE development director.

"The COE is the only college at UNM without an endowed position. The college is rapidly evolving toward a higher degree of excellence and this is one very necessary step in that evolution," Hale said, noting that the endowed professorship will improve the college's overall academic quality, strengthen its Center for Teacher Education and increase the COE's ability to attract and retain outstanding professors.

Travelstead's legacy is impressive. Under his direction, the COE acquired its first accredited doctoral programs, created a university-wide advisory council to improve teacher preparation, increased outreach and accountability to the Albuquerque Public Schools and the New Mexico State Department of Education and expanded UNM's outreach to Latin America.

In 1963-64, Travelstead moved Education from Hodgin Hall to a new eight-building COE complex, which still houses many of the college's programs.

Designed and built by the local architectural firm of Flatow, Moore, Bryan and Fairburn, the new COE buildings were the first on the UNM campus to deviate from the traditional pueblo style of architecture. They were featured on the cover of a national publication, School and Society, in November 1963. In 1990, the New Mexico Society of Architects honored the complex for 25 years of influence on state architecture.

Architect/Artist Max Flatow has again teamed with Travelstead - this time in support of the endowed professorship campaign. A recent Flatow painting titled "Excitement I" will be auctioned in June to benefit the endowment. As well, limited edition prints will be available at a public reception showcasing Flatow's work on Friday, June 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Masley Hall Art Gallery, located in the COE complex.

The painting resembles in style and colors the unique stained glass wall of the College of Education administration building designed by Flatow's firm 38 years ago.

Approximately $50,000 - toward a $500,000 goal - has been raised to date for The Chester C. Travelstead Professorship in Teacher Education.

For information or to contribute to the endowment, call COE Development Officer Jeff A. Hale, at 505-277-2915.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981