Joyce VanTassel-Baska Tribute
Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska, the Jody and Layton Smith Professor of Education and executive director of William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education,
has powerfully impacted the lives of countless children, families,
college students, and colleagues around the world throughout her 44
year career in education, 22 of which was at William &
Mary. VanTassel-Baska, who is retiring from the post at the end of this
academic year, was honored with a Festschrift, a volume of work
compiled surrounding gifted education, as a tribute to her life work.
Dozens of of colleagues, alumni, students, and friends joined in the
celebration at the Alumni House on March 13.
The celebration provided an opportunity for seasoned experts to blend ideas with “some of the most promising new talent in our field … creating a synergistic learning experience,” remarked VanTassel-Baska. The Festschrift, a book entitled “Leading Change in Gifted Education”, was published in conjunction with the event and includes chapters by many of those who presented at the gathering. VanTassel-Baska wrote the final chapter in which she reflects on her rich career in gifted education. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
