to speak to TSU grads

By MICHELLE J. WILSON

Staff Writer

Dec. 16, 1999 10 PM

State Superintendent of Education Ed Richardson will speak today at Troy State University’s last commencement of the century.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. at Sartain Hall, and 372 students are scheduled to graduate, said Tom Davis, TSU public affairs coordinator.

Richardson said he will deliver a "traditional commencement speech," according to his spokesman Tony Harris.

His address will focus on the importance of having a vision for the future and of maximizing the educational opportunities you have.

Richardson was named State Superintendent of Education in October 1995.

He served as superintendent of the Auburn School System from 1982 until 1995. He was assistant professor at Auburn University at Montgomery from 1980-82.

He began his career in education as a teacher in the Montgomery School System in 1964 and was principal of Cloverdale School in Montgomery and Andalusia High School.

Richardson earned his bachelor of science education at Auburn University in 1962, his master of educational administration from Auburn in 1967 and his doctorate in education from Auburn in 1972.

He is past president of the Alabama Association of School Administrators and the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. Richardson is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, the Alabama Council for School Administration and Supervision, the Alabama State Tenure Commission and an honorary life member of the Alabama PTA.

He received the Outstanding Superintendent Award from the Alabama PTA for 1986-87, the Friends of Children Award from Children’s Health Systems in 1997 and the National Educational Leadership Award, Jobs for America’s Graduates, in 1996.

Richardson has also been active in community service, as he is past president of the Auburn Rotary Club and the Lee County United Way. He was also a member of Leadership Alabama Class V.

Jack Hawkins Jr., chancellor of the Troy State University System, said the graduates and their guests will benefit from hearing Richardson’s remarks.

"Dr. Richardson has been actively involved in Alabama education at every level, from classroom teacher to administrator to university professor and now as State Superintendent of Education," Hawkins said. "His leadership is crucial to the future of this state, and we are looking forward to his remarks.

"It promises to be a meaningful commencement ceremony."