The College of Education and Human Development wrapped up the 2018 calendar year with a celebration of its golden anniversary and holiday event in the Porter Building.
“A 50th anniversary is a special event. CEHD has the second-largest enrollment, combined undergraduate and graduate, of all University of Louisville colleges and schools. We look forward to another 50 years training those who have devoted their lives to teaching future generations,” said Ann Larson, who was named the school’s seventh dean in 2013.
The Department of Education was originally housed in the College of Arts and Sciences and was officially established as a school in 1968.
CEHD is home to six departments that educate professionals in the areas of teaching, administration, counseling, student affairs, sport management, health and fitness, and workforce and human resource education. CEHD graduates live around the world, but many can be found as teachers and administrators right here in Jefferson County Public Schools, including the system’s superintendent, Marty Pollio.
In 1968, the school had 61 undergraduate students and 23 faculty members. Today, more than 3,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students were enrolled in CEHD as of the fall 2018 semester and there are just over 100 full-time faculty members.
The expansion of distance learning has enabled CEHD to serve students around the world, particularly in the military. CEHD offers military members a bachelor of science in organizational leadership and learning and a master of science in human resource and organizational development. Classes in those programs can also be taken at CEHD’s satellite campus at Fort Knox.
“Our mission at CEHD is to advance knowledge and understanding and develop leaders in education preparation, human development and human performance who will inform policy, improve practice, strengthen communities and address social concerns,” Larson said. “Our CEHD community of students, faculty, alumni and staff work every day to improve the quality of life for all in our metropolitan community, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation. We are excited and proud to acknowledge this historic milestone for the college.”
In 1981, construction was completed on a new building on Belknap Campus that remains the home of CEHD. In 2010, that building was named in honor of the late Woodford R. Porter and his wife, Harriett. Woodford Porter served on the UofL Board of Trustees from 1968 to 1991 and was the first African-American trustee on the UofL board. He is known for his staunch belief that education was the path to follow toward a better way of life, and his wise words are prominently displayed in the building lobby: “Education is the great equalizer.”
