The Norma Jean Anderson Civil Rights and Academic
Achievement Award applauds the contributions of a current teacher,
administrator or staff member in the Amherst and or Amherst-Pelham Regional
School Districts who promotes the ideals of a just and respectful community
built on compassionate relationships.
Click
here to learn more about the award and how to nominate someone.
Dr.
Norma Jean Anderson
(1936—2006)
"This
award honors the memory of Norma Jean Anderson who lived and worked in our
community and left a legacy of courage, determination and foresight. Dr.
Anderson was born in Springfield, IL in 1932. She graduated the University
of Illinois with a degree in Business and became the first black school
teacher in her hometown. Dr. Anderson completed her doctorate at the
University of Illinois in 1966. In 1970, Dr. Anderson came to the School of
Education at UMASS Amherst as Associate Dean of Admissions and Alumni Affairs.
She lead efforts to recruit a more diverse student body. After retiring from
the University in 1994, Dr. Anderson was an educational consultant both
nationally and internationally. “She will be remembered for many things, among
them her leadership in addressing issues of institutional racism and instilling
values of social justice at the School of Education and across the University”
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor, John Lombardi, 2006
