Emeritus Faculty Directory
Amy Jean Knorr, Ph.D.
First appointed as a quarter-time academic advisor in the school for students from Brazil, Kenya and Nigeria on AID Scholarships, Dr. Knorr was concurrently employed by AZ Dept. of Vocational Ed to direct curriculum development in nutrition and food, child development, and consumer education. In 1970, she became a full-time professor of FCS education who was dedicated to the development of students as teachers and human beings. She received are the AAFCS Distinguished Service Award and the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award. She has established an endowed scholarship fund for students.
Angela R. Taylor, Ph.D.
Growing up in Washington, D. C., I was in one of the first cohorts of children to desegregate D. C. public schools. Thus, from an early age, I became acutely aware of societal prejudices and negative stereotypes regarding academic abilities of ethnic minority children. Later, as a high school student, I took my first psychology course and became intrigued with the study of human behavior and development. These early experiences and interests continue to shape my current scholarly work, which focuses on childhood social development and early school adjustment of low-income and ethnic minority children. In addition to my research and teaching, I served as the chair of the Family Studies and Human Development Academic Program, a position I held for over 10 years. In that capacity, I was responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the division’s academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Over the years, it has been particularly satisfying to see our programs continue to grow and thrive through the efforts of our outstanding faculty, students and staff.
Carl Ridley, Ph.D.
After 30 years of dedicated service, Dr. Ridley retired in 2009 as a Professor. An author of numerous research articles, Dr. Ridley built a national and international standing in his field of interpersonal and marital relationships. His long-time, cumulative contribution to student development at the undergraduate and graduate levels is both comprehensive and impressive. Dr. Ridley was a recipient of the CALS Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Ridley remains active in working with graduate students – including publications, attending professional conference, publishing empirical work and a new book.
David C. Rowe, Ph.D.
Dr. David Rowe was recognized internationally by numerous disciplines, ranging from human development to molecular genetics. After receiving a B.A. from Harvard University and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Dr. Rowe joined the UA in 1988. He published 170 papers and 3 books and is known for his seminal work on blending behavioral and molecular genetics and twin studies on antisocial behaviors. Dr. Rowe received a CALS Research Award and an UA Extraordinary Faculty Award.
Donna Hendrickson Christensen, Ph.D.
Dr. Christensen retired in 2006 after 15 years of dedicated service at the UA. Dr. Christensen made outstanding contributions in teaching, research and outreach, and she conducted significant research that advanced our understanding of children’s emotional competence and regulation, particularly with respect to the children of underprivileged families. Regarded as one of the most effective and caring instructors and advisors/mentors within the Norton School, Dr. Christensen received several teaching awards.
Doris Manning, Ph.D.
Joining the UA in 1964, Dr. Manning produced numerous home economics teachers, directed 25 research and service projects and developed curriculum on child development, housing, textiles, food and nutrition, and consumer education, and service projects, including support for home economics teachers. She was a recipient of the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award. She served on the Council for International Federation of Home Economics and President of the Arizona Home Economics Association.
Ellen Goldsberry, Ph.D.
After more than 21 years of service, Dr. Goldsberry retired in 2001. As the Founding and Inaugural Director of the Lundgren Center, Dr. Goldsberry was responsible for the Center’s rapid growth and success. During her earlier years, Dr. Goldsberry served both on the teaching faculty in the School and as a Specialist and State Assistant Director in Cooperative Extension. She was a recipient of the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Goldsberry and her husband have established a major endowment for scholarship and student development in the Center.
Helen Goetz, Ph.D.
Dr. Goetz, an alumus and a former faculty member at the UA, was a recognized national leader in consumer economics. She served as president of the American Council of Consumer Interests. After retiring from the University of Alabama, Dr. Goetz founded the Council of Alumni and Friends of the Norton School. She established an endowment to support students and faculty. Dr. Goetz was a recipient of numerous awards, including the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award.
James R. Hine, Ph.D.
Dr. Hine taught thousands of students, and joined in marriage and subsequently counseled hundreds of couples. Many of his former students recognize him as one of the most caring and effective of teachers. Dr. Hine’s scholarly work has also greatly informed our understanding of what makes relationships strong, as evidenced by a 2004 Arizona Daily Star article, which reported on his 20-year longitudinal study of more than 100 couples. Dr. Hine was a recipient of the CALS lifetime Achievement Award.
Jean Ruley Kearns, Ph.D.
Since joining the UA in 1959, Dr. Kearns received the UA Humanitarian Award, entered the UA Hall of Fame, and received the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award. She was appointed by President Reagan to the Board for International Food and Agriculture, received the World Food Prize Distinguished Service Award, named Fullbright Professor, and; served as Consortium for International Development Executive DirectorCurrently she serves on several Goards and consults internationally..
Nancy A. Graham, Ph.D.
Dr. Graham, who served as an assistant professor at the UA, spent more than 20 years as a teacher and administrator at Amphi High School. Dr. Graham was recognized as a leading authority on curriculum development nationally. She is a recipient of teaching awards and the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award. Recently, Dr. Graham and her husband, Dr. Gordon Graham, established a Memorial Endowment for the Norton School. She is a devoted member of the Norton Council of Alumni and Friends.
Naomi Reich, Ph.D.
Dr. Reich started her teaching and extension career in South Africa. Dr. Reich joined the UA in 1971 and eventually retired in early 1990s as associate director of the Norton School. Dr. Naomi Reich’s expertise was in clothing and textiles for special needs, with a focus on people with disabilities and the elderly. Dr. Reich was known by her former students as an inspirational teacher and a motivating mentor and advisor. In memory of her, friends and colleagues established the Reich Memorial endowment.
Robert R. Rice, Ph.D.
Dr. Rice joined the UA as the director of the School in 1975, during a time when the field of family and consumer sciences was being transformed into a 21st Century academic discipline. Dr. Rice provided the leadership and vision necessary to carry the school forward into new areas of interest. During his tenure as the director, he established a doctoral program and hired many outstanding faculty members and researchers. Prior to retiring in 1995, Dr. Rice taught interior design for six years.
Rodney Cate, Ph.D.
Dr. Cate joined the UA as the Director of the school in 1994. He retired in 2006, after 12 years of dedicated service. Dr. Cate provided significant leadership to all the School’s programs, particularly with respect to recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members and to mentoring graduate students. He built a national and international reputation in his area of scholarship, especially in the study of close relationships. Dr. Cate served as Editor of Family and Consumer Science Research Journal for two terms.
Ruth C. Hall, Ph.D.
Sherry Betts, Ph.D.
After 19 years of dedicated service to the UA as Extension Specialist and Professor, Dr. Sherry Betts retired in 2008. Dr. Betts compiled an outstanding and impressive track record in the area of community outreach, focusing on youth development and family education in Cooperative Extension. She was the recipient of the 2004-05 Henry and Phyllis Koffler Prize, which is the highest honor given in the public service/outreach category at the UA. Dr. Betts also received the CALS Alumni Achievement Award.
Shirley J. O’Brien, Ed.D.
Joining the CALS at UA in 1976 as a human development specialist, Dr. O’Brien served an associate director of Cooperative Extension until her retirement in 2003. She is the author of five books and numerous articles regarding child maltreatment, and, based on her book, she was invited to the White House Rose Garden for the signing of the Child Protection Act in 1984. To recognize her passion and her work in diversity, the CALS developed the Shirley J. O’Brien Award for Diversity
Shirley Jo H. Taylor, Ph.D.
After more than 30 years of service in Cooperative Extension, Dr. Shirley Jo Taylor retired in 2000. Dr. Taylor’s contributions to youth development and 4H were truly outstanding. More than a decade, Dr. Taylor has also served on the School’s Alumni and Friends Council. Dr. Taylor is a recipient of the UA’s Sydney Wood Award and also the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award. Recently, Dr. Taylor established an endowment in support of student Externships in Cooperative Extension.
Victor A. Christopherson, Ed.D.
Dr. Victor Christopherson came to the UA in 1958 and retired in 1994. He served as Division Chair of Family Studies for 19 years and served as the School’s acting director for two terms. He is the author or co-author of five books and numerous articles, and was recognized as an inspiring teacher and a pioneering researcher in his field of the biological and cultural influences in human development and socialization. Dr. Christopherson was a recipient of the CALS Lifetime Achievement Award.
