March 01, 2005

UCSD Scholar Named To Gallaudet University Board

By Inga Kiderra

Tom Humphries, associate director of UCSD’s Teacher Education Program and associate professor in the department of communication, has been named to the board of trustees at Gallaudet University, the world’s only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.

Gallaudet made the announcement following the February meeting of its board of trustees, at which the selection of Humphries to its ranks received unanimous approval.

Humphries is a graduate of Gallaudet, receiving a bachelor’s degree there in 1968 and a master’s degree in 1972. He earned a Ph.D. from the Union Institute in 1977.

In announcing Humphries’ appointment, Gallaudet noted that his research has shaped many of the theories applied in deaf studies today and that he is a prolific author. Among his many contributions to the literature on deaf studies is the book Inside Deaf Culture, just published by Harvard University Press and co-authored with his wife, UCSD colleague (and former Gallaudet board of trustees member) Carol Padden.

At UCSD, Humphries recently developed an experimental teacher training curriculum which requires teachers of deaf children to have bilingual education certification as well as deaf education certification.

“Gallaudet is a special place that represents an educational ideal for deaf people – to be educated among peers and by peers,” Humphries said. “I am looking forward to being part of the governing board of this historic university.”

Media Contact: Inga Kiderra (858) 822-0661