Plymouth State University

PLYMOUTH, N.H.-
Plymouth State University professor of education Marianne True has been named the Stevens-Bristow Professor of Education. The professorship is awarded to a faculty member in teacher education who has a record of excellence in teaching, advising or mentoring; engages in scholarly activity or creativity that is recognized nationally or internationally, and exhibits outstanding contributions to the profession, University or state.

Dr. True is considered among the Granite State’s finest educators; she was recognized as the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year in 1989 and the Distinguished Graduate Teacher at PSU in 2005; she received a New Hampshire Excellence in Education (the EDie) Award in 2003.

True is past president of the New Hampshire chapter of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and she is the current editor of the New Hampshire Journal of Education. She is a leader in K-16 professional development at the state and national levels. Her scholarship, which has been presented to national and international audiences from San Francisco to Greece and Peru, involves interactive learning, leadership in inclusive early childhood education, and strategies to engage the English language learner.

Plymouth State University professor of education Marianne True has been named the Stevens-Bristow Professor of Education.

She creates collaborations and partnerships for and with New Hampshire schools and communities. Under her leadership, the PSU student chapter of ASCD has received national recognition.

Dr. Julie Bernier, PSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, said True’s expertise and commitment to PSU and its students make her a deserving recipient of the Stevens-Bristow Professorship.

“I am so pleased Marianne has been selected as the Stevens-Bristow Professor ,” Bernier said. “She is truly an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and colleague, exactly the kind of educator Wally and Meredith had in mind when they shaped their gift to PSU.”

PSU alumni Wallace R. and Meredith Bristow Stevens, class of 1962, established the University’s first endowed professorship to celebrate and recognize faculty who work in teacher preparation and thus, “educate the educators.” The endowed professorship, held for a term of three years, will provide True with an annual stipend to support her work, reflecting the donors’ belief that those who are extraordinary educators of educators should be recognized and assisted in attaining their goals. True said she is honored and excited to be recognized in this way.

“I am really humbled by this. I was speechless when I learned about it,” True said. “The students I work with are studying to become elementary school teachers. I am very passionate about pre-service education here at Plymouth State. I think it’s the most important thing that we do. I am always excited about that.”

True has taught in the Education Department at Plymouth State since 1999. Prior to coming to PSU, True taught English to middle and high school students, served as a high school assistant principal and middle school and high school principal. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from Boston College, a master’s in Administration and a CAGS in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Sarasota. True said the Stevens-Bristow Professorship will help her and her students achieve higher goals.

“The most impressive thing about this award is the generosity of spirit from Wally and Meredith Stevens,” said True. “It’s really clear they care deeply about the campus community and education; I am so grateful to them for giving me an opportunity to do what I’m really passionate about, to prepare the very best teachers we can.”

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu