School of Education E-newsletter

by: Dr. Jennifer L. Altieri, Coordinator

The Division of Literacy Education announces that a legend-an individual who has touched the lives of many cadets and graduate candidates over the years-is retiring. Dan T. Ouzts, Ph.D., who began his career at The Citadel 30 years ago, plans to begin the next stage of his life after the fall 2007 semester.

Prior to joining the faculty at The Citadel, Dr. Ouzts worked as a public school reading teacher and a school district reading coordinator. Joining The Citadel family in 1978, Dr. Ouzts developed the Graduate Reading Program (now called the Division of Literacy Education).

During his years in Capers Hall, he wore many hats including Acting Dean of Education, Associate Dean of Education, Assistant Department Head, and Coordinator of the Reading Division. In addition, he served as President of the Charleston County Council of the International Reading Association and President of the Bibliotherapy and Reading Special Interest Group of the International Reading Association.

He is the recipient of many awards, including the Charleston County School District's Friend of Reading Recovery Award in 2004 and the State Literacy Award from the International Reading Association almost ten years ago. Also, he received a prestigious $250,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation enabling the Division of Literacy to assist area children who are struggling with reading. Dr. Ouzts is a true pioneer of reading education in the Lowcountry. He is a founding member of the State Council for the International Reading Association and started The Citadel's summer school reading program.

While he will be missed by all of us on the third floor of Capers Hall and by colleagues across campus, we wish him well in his future endeavors.