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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsEugenie Scott announces retirement from NCSE.
NCSE is the National Center for Science Education, working to keep evolution and climate science in public school science education.As reported on the NCSE Web site:
NCSE's executive director Eugenie C. Scott announced on May 6, 2013, that she was planning to retire by the end of the year, after more than twenty-six years at NCSE's helm. "It's a good time to retire, with our new climate change initiative off to a strong start and with the staff energized and excited by the new challenges ahead," she commented. "The person who replaces me will find a strong staff, a strong set of programs, and a strong board of directors."
Of course, PZ Myers had to chime in on this: Say it isn't so, Genie
Although perhaps I should apply for the job. I looked at the qualifications, and it was like looking in a mirror, man especially that last bit about the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse communities and allies. It sounds just like me, right, gang? I should go for it.
One of the grand victories under her steady hand was the victory in federal court in Kitzmiller v. Dover which pretty much killed Intelligent Design in public school science classrooms and which the NCSE was an integral part.
You can hear all about it on the Skeptics Guide to the Universe (SGU) podcast Episode 42. It's one the best SGU podcasts from their early days (2006). Dr. Scott is a great interview here.
This is bad news for Science education in the US. Eugenie Scott has been an absolutely tireless warrior to strengthen science education. She's directed the NCSE for 26 years and she will be dearly missed when she goes at the end of the year.
I hope the NCSE board does as good a job finding Eugenie Scott's replacement as they did 26 years ago. In other words, Dr. Scott has big shoes to fill.
(XPost from late night Science forum post)
byeya
(2,842 posts)other organization. They arrange for expert witnesses if there's a trial and the NCSE has a great track record.
I've been a member for years (I am interested in evoution and its teaching though teaching is not my field) and they have an interesting newsletter. Eugenie is one of the unsung heroes of America and deserves a Medal of Freedom.
Hope she has a rewarding and long retirement.
longship
(40,416 posts)Last edited Tue May 7, 2013, 11:36 AM - Edit history (1)
Go to her Wikipedia page: Eugenie Scott
It's pretty astounding what she's done in her quarter century at the helm if NCSE.
Thanks for the response. I was worried that this thread would sink without a response like my late night post to the Science forum. Apparently, DUers are not familiar with how important Dr. Scott is to science education. That in itself is troubling.
byeya
(2,842 posts)I found this organization and joined. I'm an amateur botanist - hobby; roaming the mountains identfying vascular and non-vascular plants.
Anyway, I became impressed with the enormous amount of important work Ms Scott was doing and quickly became an admirer. The newsletter always had threats to teaching real biology in the public schools and Ms Scott and her organization always seemed to be there to help the lonely ethical teacher in his/her battle to both stay employed and teach the truth to her charges.
It will be hard to find another Eugenie Scott but it's vitally important that it be done.
Thanks for the original post because I had not heard of her retirement. Regards.