Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Curriculum and Instruction William Edmund Fulmer (June 22, 1922 -), retired college professor and administrator, was born in Gaffney, South Carolina, the son of Inez Cash and John Clarence Fulmer. Fulmer graduated from Boyden High School, Salisbury, North Carolina (N.C.) in 1939. He earned his A.B. degree from Catawba College in 1943, with a major in history and a minor in English. He was awarded the Ed.M. degree from the University of South Carolina in 1947 with a major in secondary education. He earned the Ed.D. degree from the University of Missouri (Columbia) in 1953, with a major in educational administration. Fulmer began his professional teaching career as a French, English, and social studies teacher at East Spencer High School, Rowan County (North Carolina) in 1943. From 1947-51 he was a social studies and general science teacher and assistant principal at Jenkins Junior High School, Spartanburg, South Carolina, Spartanburg City Schools. He was an instructor at the University of Missouri (Columbia) in the area of school organization and management in 1952-53. Fulmer was principal of Beaufort High School and assistant superintendent of Beaufort School District No. 1 from 1953-55. During this time he also taught as an extension instructor for the University of South Carolina (Columbia). Fulmer served in the United States Naval Reserve during World War n. He was commissioned Ensign having completed the required training at Midshipmen's School, Northwestern University. Following his commissioning, he had advanced training and became an anti-submarine warfare specialist at the training station in Miami, Florida. He served aboard three naval vessels in the South Pacific from New Guinea to Japan. Fulmer married the former Frances Elizabeth Stone in 1947. They are the parents of three daughters: Anne F. Page of Wilmington, North Carolina; Linda F. Spransy of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Janet F. Gilbert of Wilmington, N.C. He began his work at Appalachian State University (Appalachian, ASU) on July 18, 1955 and remained there until his retirement in 1986. During his tenure at Appalachian, he was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor, and then professor. He served for a number of years as director of student teaching. His last administrative assignment was as coordinator of field experiences for Watauga County. He was a member of the Graduate Faculty, and taught in the department of education, secondary education, and curriculum and instruction. Fulmer's primary duties included the supervision of student teaching throughout his entire career at Appalachian, having worked in most school systems in the Appalachian student teaching territories. Some of Fulmer's publications include: The Professional Status of the Missouri Superintendents of Schools and Their Opinions Concerning Educational Training, The University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1953. "The Teacher Surplus--Another Myth?" With E.W. Wadsworth, Watauga Democrat, July 25,1974, Sec. 2B,p.l. "Student Teaching Through the Okefenokee Curriculum Center," Newsletter of the Appalachian State University II I, Boone, N.C., Winter, 1973. "What Do They Do in Triple T?" Newsletter of the Appalachian State University TIT, Boone, North Carolina, Spring, 1973. "The Effect of Professional Study on the Attitudes of Pre-Service Teachers" (submitted for publication, Spring 1986). Bill Fulmer served as a member of the National Association of Teacher Educators and the North Carolina Association of Teacher Educators (past president, 1976-77). He was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, and served as co-sponsor of the ASU chapter for twelve years. He was initiated into the Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa at the University of Missouri, then became a charter member of the ASU chapter. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Boone, Fulmer has served as chairman of the long-range planning committee, the worship and evangelism committee, the board of deacons, the finance committee, and the personnel committee. Fulmer is an active Mason and Shriner. He is a 33° Scottish Rite Mason, and a York Rite Mason. He has served as liaison between the North Carolina Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation, Inc. and Appalachian State University. He is also liaison between the Foundation and East Carolina University. In addition, he is a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Source: Personal correspondence with Bill Fulmer. - Dr. Richard D. Howe
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