The Society unites educational leaders and friends of Dick Featherstone for the purpose of honoring and perpetuating his personal and professional example. An enthusiasm for learning and teaching process, an intellectual curiosity unbounded by traditional disciplinary orientation, a distinguished record of applying and widely sharing professional expertise, and a respect for and commitment to people are the hallmarks of the Society as illustrated by the life of Richard Lee Featherstone.
Dr. Richard Lee Featherstone
Dr. Featherstone graduated from Ohio State University in 1954 with a Ph.D. in Educational Administration. Dick became a teacher, a profession through which he discovered his lifelong love of and commitment to excellent education. For 31 years, Dick dedicated himself entirely to enriching the lives of his students and colleagues and improving the quality of education. He worked in many capacities as a professor, department chair, superintendent, and university administrator.
In 1960, Dick came to Michigan State University as the assistant dean for Continuing Education and Off-Campus Affairs. He worked in that capacity until 1967, when he was selected chairperson of the Department of Administration and Higher Education. Following a sabbatical leave in 1971, Dick resumed professorial duties in the department until he joined MSU’s Office of Planning and Budgets in 1983.
In 1984, Dick was presented with the College of Education Alumni Association’s Outstanding Faculty Award for his exceptional contributions to graduate education.
Dick retired from the University in 1985, after 25 years of service. Even though officially retired, Dick continued to encourage, support, and mentor the many students and professionals whom he influenced throughout his life.
Dick Featherstone died on June 9, 1986.
Mission
The Society unites educational leaders and friends of Dick Featherstone for the purpose of honoring and perpetuating his personal and professional example. An enthusiasm for the learning and teaching process, an intellectual curiosity unbounded by traditional disciplinary orientation, a distinguished record of applying and widely sharing professional expertise, and a respect for and commitment to people are the hallmarks of the Society as illustrated by the life of Richard Lee Featherstone.
Purpose
The purpose of the Featherstone Society is to gather a core group of practicing professionals interested in important educational matters to further their own professional development and to mentor others. The purpose is also:
- To assist in awarding Featherstone Scholarships to graduate students in the College of Education who have demonstrated distinguished scholarship, possess an intellectual curiosity about educational matters, and show a potential for emulating the example set by Richard Lee Featherstone.
- To assist in awarding the annual Featherstone Prize to an outstanding senior graduating from Michigan State University, a person characterized by scholarly excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to serving others.
- To increase substantially the existing Featherstone Scholarship and Prize funds.
- To adopt an ongoing interest in and mentoring relationship with recipients of the Featherstone Scholarship and Prize as well as with such other outstanding students who may be recommended for membership.
Scholarship and Prize
Scholarship and prize funds have attained endowment levels. The first Featherstone scholarships were awarded in 1990 and the first prize in 1996. Interested persons are invited to contact the College of Education Development Office or a member of the Board of Directors.
Past Scholarship Winners:
Dr. Jill Ann Baldwin Canono
Ms. Aiqun Liu
Ms. E. Sanders-Lawson
Mr. Timothy Mashinini
Mr. John C. Chou
Ms. Maureen Shannon
Dr. Rose M. Caicco
Mr. J. Greg Merritt
Dr. Mary D. Young
Dr. Titus T. Singo
Dr. Sandro O. Pinheiro
Thompson Tsodzo
Dr. Joseph J. Brocato
Dr. Camilla J. Zawacki
Ms. Ellen Cassidy
Dr. Margaret A. LaFleur
Dr. Gary L. Hauck
Ms. Olga Kritskaya
Dr. R. Sam Larson
Mr. Stephen H. Marsden
Melissa Ruterbush
Dr. Jonathan D. Rohrer
Ms. Margaret M. Solomon
Dr. Dan Liechty
Dr. Kathryn M. Shaffer
Ms. Karen Lynn Miller-Estep
Dr. Joseph R. Codde
Mrs. Hisako Inaba
To receive scholarship application materials, contact:
College of Education Student Affairs Office
134 Erickson Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Membership
Joining the Featherstone Society
Membership in the Richard Lee Featherstone Society is open to those who share our purpose. Those who make contributions will become members of the Society. Tax-deductible contributions payable to “The Richard Lee Featherstone Society” may be sent to the address below.
College of Education Development Office
518 Erickson Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
(517) 432-1983
Board Members
The Featherstone Society Board of Directors
Dr. Marilyn Amey
Dr. Ann Austin
Dr. Manette Benham
Dr. Joseph Codde
Dr. Philip Cusick
Dr. Marylee Davis
Mr. Harry Featherstone
Dr. Shahriar Ghouddousi
Dr. John Graves
Dr. Gordon Guyer
Dr. Martha Hesse
Dr. Howard Hickey
Dr. Olga Holden
Dr. Jack Mawdsley
Dr. Barbara O’Kelly
Ms. Lorraine Sparks
Dr. Jacqueline Taylor
Dr. Fred Tinning
Dr. Paul Williams
Dr. John Zappala
Dr. Camille Zawacki