Clemson professor elected to International Reading Association board

Published: April 29, 2010

By Mark Sublette

CLEMSON — Kathy Headley, associate dean for research and graduate studies and a professor of reading education in the College of Health, Education and Human Development at Clemson University, has been elected to the board of directors of the International Reading Association.

The International Reading Association is a nonprofit, global network of individuals and institutions committed to worldwide literacy that was established in 1956. With more than 70,000 members, the association supports literacy professionals through a wide range of resources, advocacy efforts, volunteerism and professional development activities. The mission of the International Reading Association is to promote reading by continuously advancing the quality of literacy instruction and research worldwide.

Headquartered in Newark, Del., the association also has offices in Washington, D.C., and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Headley began her career as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist in Georgia before obtaining her doctorate in reading from Auburn University. She joined the faculty at Clemson in 1987. In addition to her position as associate dean, Headley continues her collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Adolescent Literacy and Learning as research director, having previously served as co-director of the center.

Headley follows fellow Clemson education professor Linda B. Gambrell as a leader in the International Reading Association. Gambrell served as president of the organization in 2007-2008.

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