Houghton University announced today a $3M gift to create an endowed chair that will be known as the Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science. This anonymous gift creates an endowed fund to provide vital resources in perpetuity to support this faculty position.
The deanship honors the life and legacy of Ellen F. Donley, a Houghton alumna from the Class of 1938. Miss Donley (1917-1964) was one of four sisters whose parents had an unusual interest in providing opportunities for spiritual and educational growth. They provided persistent guidance and sacrificial support so that each daughter could attend and graduate from Houghton College (now University). In the words of the donor, “Ellen’s life was an example of a well-rounded life of Christian love, faith, discipline, and commitment to education and serves as an example of the impact that can be made while at Houghton and in the many schools where educators touch lives.”
“I am thankful for the donors' investment in Houghton and their belief in what God is continuing to do in the lives and careers of our students,” remarked Houghton University President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. “This transformational gift will underwrite the compensation of a key academic and administrative leader at Houghton. This leader will be central to building on Houghton's rich history and strong foundations in teacher education and behavioral science and ensuring future Houghton graduates in these fields are well-prepared to provide exceptional, Christ-centered service to their eventual students, clients, and employees.”
Houghton University has been preparing aspiring educators, education administrators, professors, clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and related careers since its accreditation as a four-year liberal arts institution over 100 years ago. The School of Education and Behavioral Science offers undergraduate degrees in Adolescent Education, Inclusive Adolescent Education, Inclusive Childhood Education, Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience; and graduate degrees in Literacy Education and Adolescent Education. Nearly 20% of the current student body is pursuing a degree offered within the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
“Houghton University has long been a leader in teacher education and the behavioral sciences,” stated Provost David Davies ‘01. “Houghton graduates have taught in countless classrooms and led schools with distinction throughout New York State and the region for decades, and our behavioral science programs are among the most established and distinguished in Christian higher education. This transformative gift acknowledges that history while also positioning the University to reach new levels of excellence in these vital fields. Our new Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science chair will be an essential member of our academic leadership team, serving on the Deans’ Council and leading some of the largest programs on campus.”