UHCL Mourns Passing of School of Education Professor Bettye Grigsby
HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 16 — University of Houston-Clear Lake mourns the passing of Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Bettye Grigsby, who passed away Feb. 7.
Grigsby joined the UHCL School of Education’s faculty in 2007 after completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University. She came to UHCL following 16 years of employment in the Beaumont Independent School District where she served in multiple capacities including principal, assistant principal and teacher.
“Dr. Grigsby was a ‘rising star,’” says School of Education Dean Mark D. Shermis. “She had the complete package — a strong empirical base for her research in educational leadership, a rapport with students who were thrilled to work with her, and the skill and courage to make decisions that were the right ones, not necessarily the ones that were the most popular. She also had a lot of good experience in the public schools and a strong moral compass.
“Dr. Grigsby was universally respected and loved by her students and colleagues. Her contributions and dedication to the university and to her profession will be profoundly missed.”
At the time of her passing, Grigsby was the chair of the Department of Leadership and Policy Analysis and chair of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program. She had previously served as the program coordinator of the Educational Management program. In her leadership role, Grigsby was instrumental in implementing many new initiatives including restructuring the master’s program by streamlining it and making it stronger. Under her guidance the department initiated its first, totally online master’s degree program, and also gained national recognition for its Master of Science in Educational Management in conjunction with UHCL School of Education’s national accreditation organization, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Grigsby served on 16 dissertation committees, and was adviser to more than 150 master degree-seeking students and graduate interns working on principal certification.
In 2015, she was named a recipient of the UHCL University Faculty Fellowship, an internal award recognizing outstanding faculty members. She was cited for her “substantial, outstanding, continuing contributions to her profession in the area of teaching, educational activities, research, and service to the university.”
She gave numerous presentations at conferences for prestigious organizations, such as the National Council of Professors of Educational Administrators, American Educational Research Association, Education Law Association and the University Council for Educational Administrators. Her writings appeared in many academic journals including the Academic Leadership Journal and West’s Education Law Reporter.
A scholarship fund has been established in her name. Contributions can be made through the Office of University Advancement Office, or by visitinghttps://giving.uh.edu/clake/ and including a note to direct the gift to the Bettye Grigsby Scholarship Fund. Those wishing to contribute may also mail a check to University of Houston-Clear Lake, Office of University Advancement, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058, C/O Kim Herhold. Checks should note the Bettye Grigsby Fund (or Scholarship).
