Dr. Asa G. Hilliard never believed that he would be involved in education. Hilliard is the Fuller E. Callaway professor of urban education at Georgia State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Educational Policy Studies and the Department of Educational Psychology/Special Education.
Hilliard was recently on the campus of Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, to speak at the College of Education’s annual Albemarle Lecture.
“My dad and granddad were both high school principals, and there did not seem to be enough rewards for all of the hard work they did,” Hilliard explained. “Being a teacher was also work that kept you inside, and I liked being outside.”
It wasn’t until his senior year in college that Hilliard decided to pursue a teaching career.
“I think the greatest gift we have is each other,” said Hilliard. “We have opportunities to make connections in one of the most positive occupations there is in the world. I don’t think it gets better than that.”
Hilliard earned his B.A. in psychology, M.A. in counseling, and Ed.D. in educational psychology from the University of Denver.
“I almost feel guilty that I get to do all kinds of thinking and be paid to do it,” he said.
Although he may formally retire in the future, he doesn’t see himself not doing what he does now.
“I can not imagine that I would ever not be engaged in some form of teaching and education,” he said.
He began his presentation with a picture of three gentlemen who were very successful in the field of medicine.
“If an assessment had been made on these individuals, teachers would have decided that they couldn’t accomplish what they did – become world-class surgeons,” he said. “Something needs to happen if we want to rescue children.”
Hilliard believes that all children are geniuses, but that there are things that happen that create self doubt. He also said that relationships are important to learning.
“The connection between students and teachers, students and other students, and community and the school are essential,” he said. “All children are always learning everything they see whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent; all teachers are always teaching effectively in everything they do, good, bad, or indifferent.”
The lecture was sponsored by Albemarle Corporation.
Albemarle Corporation is a leading producer of specialty chemicals for consumer electronics; transportation and industrial products; pharmaceutical; agricultural products; and construction and packaging materials serving customers in more than 100 countries. SAU and the College of Education extend their appreciation to the Albemarle Corporation and its Magnolia plant manager and employees for their dedication to public service and public education in south Arkansas.
