Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Curriculum and Instruction Larry W. Woodrow (September 24, 1937-) was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1954, and, after attending Wingate Junior College, Wingate, North Carolina, he entered Appalachian State Teachers' College (now Appalachian State University) , where he earned a B.S. degree in science education. Woodrow then received a M.A.T. degree in physical sciences (1964) and an Ed.D. degree in elementary and secondary education, administration, and higher education (1968) from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. From 1951 to 1958, Woodrow worked in automobile service and repair. He also served part-time as an aircraft hydraulic repairman (1953-59) and an education and training specialist (maintenance squadron, 1959-60) for the North Carolina Air National Guard. For three years, he taught chemistry, physics, and biology at North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte. In 1968, Woodrow joined the Department of Chemistry at Appalachian State University as an assistant professor. He subsequently became an associate professor of teacher education, supervising student teachers of all fields and levels in the public schools of five counties. From 1972 to 1974, he served as director of the Teacher Corps Project and was promoted to professor of elementary education in 1974. Woodrow filled the position of chair for the Department of Elementary Education from 1977 to 1982. Under his leadership, the department developed a new degree program in child development and arranged extensive faculty development opportunities in individually guided education. In addition to his academic achievements Woodrow conducted workshops for Teacher Corps schools in Watauga and Catawba counties. He also chaired the ad hoc committee on classroom management for Watauga County schools from 1984 to 1986. He participated, as well, in General College and departmental academic advising. Dr. Woodrow continued training within his field by attending professional workshops at the Institute for the Development of Educational Activities in Kettering, Ohio; at the Lozanov Learning Institute of Silver Spring, Maryland; and at the Johns Hopkins Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools. His research efforts led to the publication of his article "Let's Privatize Schools!" in North Carolina Educational Leadership (1987). He also prepared a resource guide for field trips to Grandfather Mountain, offering teachers information and ideas to use in planning their lessons and visits. Woodrow's service to the university included membership on the Teacher Education Council, the Faculty Senate, the Departmental Personnel Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee for Building Improvement, the Technology Committee, the Faculty Grievance Committee, the University Academic Policies and Procedures Committee, the Educational Psychology Advisory Board, and the Search Committee for chair of Curriculum and Instruction. Among Dr. Woodrow's professional affiliations were the North Carolina Association of Educators (president), the National Education Association, the Association for Individually Guided Education, Phi Delta Kappa, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Association of Teacher Educators, and the Society for Accelerated Learning and Teaching. Beyond his university activities, Woodrow was a Sunday School teacher and held various offices within his church; in addition, he was a member of North Carolina's Baptist Men Disaster Relief Team, president of the Boone Kiwanis Club, and a certified trainer for Kiwanis International s leadership training program. In his free time, Woodrow participated in offroad motorcycling and enduro competitions. Since 2003, he has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol, holding the rank of Major and serves as aerospace education officer of the Boone Composite Squadron. He has completed a second homebuilt airplane and earned a private pilot certificate. Woodrow has assisted Watauga County Habitat for Humanity in managing construction of over fifteen residences since 1994. Dr. Woodrow is married to the former Barbara Ann Sellers and they have two children, Randy (August 23, I960-) and Beverly (September 10, 1961-), four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. In May of 1996, Dr. Woodrow retired from Appalachian State as professor of curriculum and instruction and was approved for emeritus status by the university's Board of Trustees in 1998. Sources: Appalachian State University files and long association. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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