Professor Edith W. King Announces Retirement
For the past 44 years Edith W. King, Professor in the Morgridge College of Education,
has served as a dedicated teacher and mentor to countless doctoral and masters students
and alumni, many of whom have gone on to serve as faculty in universities and colleges
throughout the U.S. and the world, including in Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
Most recently Edith taught courses in Sociology of Education, Ethnicity, Class and
Gender in Education, Multiethnic Education, Qualitative Research Methods, and International
Education and Human Rights. For many years she organized travel seminars for graduate
students and post graduates to study education in international settings in Britain,
Singapore, Mainland China and Canada. Many know and identify Edith with the term
"Worldmindeness" as not only is this the closing in all of her correspondence, it
identified her unique seminars, federally-funded institutes and course offering during
the 1960's through the 1990's. The term "World mindedness" reflects, in particular,
Edith's philosophy and teaching of global understanding, education for peace-building,
and women's rights. During her career spanning four decades Edith has authored numerous
articles, papers, reports and over 15 textbooks, including Sociology for Educators
in the Post 9/11 World, 2nd edition (2010), Amazon: Kindle, Meeting the Challenges
of Teaching in an Era of Terrorism, 2nd edition (2010), Amazon: Kindle and Social
Thought Into the 21st Century 6th edition (2002), Wadsworth.
Over her many years of teaching Edith has collected letters, cards and emails from students, alumni and others that reflect the enduring impact of her teaching, advising and mentoring. Some examples from her recent communications are from Dr. Phil Ambard, PhD August, 2010, who wrote "Thank you so much for all of your amazing help and support during my doctoral research/defense phase . . .I can't begin to express how grateful I am to have benefited from your exceptional teaching and mentoring these past 3 years." Dr. Laura Ganus, Ph.D. June, 2010, wrote: "Edith, I have admired you and all of your accomplishments since the first days I set foot on DU's campus. You have guided, supported and inspired me throughout these years. What I am most thankful for is the "Worldmindedness" you have instilled in me. You will always continue to guide and inspire me." Dr. Nancy Gallavan, Professor, Central Arkansas University, Ph.D. 1994, in a letter of March, 2010 wrote "I smile every time I think of you. I have been so fortunate to have you contribute so significantly to my life and career." Dr. Marilyn Chipman, Professor (ret.), Ph.D. 1990, wrote: "You have been more than a professor to us. Our parents, spouses, children, siblings, and closest friends all knew your name and your importance to us. You mentored us tirelessly, opening doors to university positions, publishing, conferences, and international networking."
Edith has collected many of these laudatory notes and expressions of appreciation in an album that she will always cherish. She invites anyone who would like to send a note or email to her for inclusion in the album to do so. Edith's retirement from service to the University of Denver is effective as of September 1, 2010. Please join me in thanking Edith for her extraordinary longevity, commitment, and remarkable service to the college and wishing her a productive and fulfilling retirement.
Gregory M. Anderson, Dean, Morgridge College of Education
