Semmel Peabody

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May 8, 2007
For immediate release

Dr. Melvyn I. Semmel, Professor Emeritus at UC Santa Barbara’s Gevirtz School, has been named the 2007 Peabody College (Vanderbilt University) Distinguished Alumnus. Semmel graduated from Peabody College in 1963 in special education/psychology and went on to become a prolific scholar in high-incidence disabilities, making numerous contributions to both policy and practice. He will give an address to Peabody College graduates and receive his award on Friday, May 11 on the Peabody Mall during graduation ceremonies.

Prof. Emeritus Mel Semmel was the founder and leader (from 1978 until 1994) of what is now the Special Education, Disability, and Risk (SPEDR) emphasis in the department of Education at the Gevirtz School.

“We are proud to have a member of our faculty thus honored,” says Dr. Michael Gerber, Chair of the Department of Education. “Prof. Semmel built the foundation for all of SPEDR’s subsequent accomplishments and we are pleased that Peabody College has recognized his career accomplishments in this way.”

The Emphasis in Special Education, Disability and Risk Studies, a component of the Ph.D. degree Program in Education, is concerned with educating researchers and practitioners about the educational needs of students with disabilities and their families. The program has produced over 100 graduate students over the past 30 years who have gone on to successful careers all over the United States in teaching, teacher training, research, and public service. UCSB has prepared more special education faculty currently teaching at California State University programs than any other UC campus.

[Melvyn Semmel is available for interviews; contact George Yatchisin at 805 893 5789]
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