Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will recognize several individuals during Homecoming festivities.  The College will induct five new members into the Hall of Distinguished Educators and recognize an Outstanding Young Professional and a Friend of Education.  An induction ceremony will take place beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 in the Teacher Education Center auditorium.

Preceding the ceremony will be a reception and reunion from 1-1:30 p.m. in the Commons Area of the Teacher Education Center.

Honored as 2016 inductees into the Hall of Distinguished Educators are the late Dr. Raymond Gilbert, Mack Daniel Knotts of Bossier City, Edwina Lewis of Natchitoches, Robert Silvie of Shreveport and David Thrash of Bossier City.  Micah Coleman of Natchitoches is the Outstanding Young Professional and Paula Hickman of Shreveport is this year’s Friend of Education.

Gilbert, a former Natchitoches resident, was a retired professor who served on the NSU faculty from 1970-1990 where he taught graduate courses in music and educational psychology and was sought after as a professor because of his dedication and commitment to his students.

Born in 1922, Gilbert was a native of El Dorado, Arkansas.  Following service in the U.S. Army, he studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1949 and 1951.  He began his career teaching voice and piano, both private lessons and in public schools, in El Dorado where he was also coordinator of the El Dorado High School fine arts program, a church music director and frequent vocal performer. He moved to Natchitoches, earned a doctorate in education at NSU in 1970 and for more than 40 years was involved in church, community and philanthropic endeavors.  He was also highly involved with many educational organizations, serving in several offices.  He received many honors during his career, including the French Legion of Honor Medal, the Outstanding Lion Award and a Natchitoches Treasure designation.  He passed away June 16, 2016.

NSU’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development annually recognizes educators whose work has made an impact on the lives of others.  For more information on the College visit nsula.edu/academics/education-human-development.  A full schedule of Homecoming events is available at northwesternalumni.com/homecoming16.