EduCoug: A landscape transformed by loss
July 4, 2009
Interim Dean Len Foster dies;
another tremendous shock to college
PULLMAN-Lenoar "Len" Foster, newly appointed interim
dean of the Washington State University College of
Education, died unexpectedly late Thursday or early
Friday at his home in Pullman.
Foster was 57. The cause of death has not been
confirmed.
"This is a profound loss and another tremendous shock
to the faculty, staff, and students in the College of
Education who are still grieving over the June 26
passing of Dean Judy Mitchell," said WSU President
Elson S. Floyd. "Our deepest sympathies are extended to
Len's family and friends, and to our colleagues in the
College of Education."
"Len provided tremendous leadership to the college
during a difficult time," added Warwick M. Bayly, WSU
provost and executive vice president.
Foster joined the faculty of the Department of
Educational Leadership & Counseling Psychology in
2003. He served as associate dean for three years,
overseeing administration, research and graduate
studies. He was a nationally known researcher whose
interests included school principals, school reform,
social-cultural influences in schools, higher
education, and historically black colleges and
universities.
Foster received three degrees at the University of
Nevada, Reno, including an Ed.D. in Educational
Administration and Higher Education. He did advanced
studies at Stanford University, where he was a William
Coe Fellow in American History.
His many accomplishments included editing The Black
College Review: Research, Policy and Practice.
A former high school principal and curriculum
coordinator, he was active in the National Association
of Secondary School Principals. In 2007, he won the
National Service Award from Division A (Administration,
Organization, and Leadership) of the American
Educational Research Association.
Information about funeral arrangements will be provided
when it becomes available, including posting on the
College of Education Web
site
Contact: Julie Titone, Director of Communications, WSU
College of Education, 509-335-6850, jtitone@wsu.edu
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Len Foster
Messages of condolence may be sent to
education@wsu.edu or
to:
Office of the Dean
160 Cleveland Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-2114
Memorial contributions may be made to the College of Education's Len Foster Scholarship in Higher Education/Educational Leadership. Donations can be made on line (use the comment box to designate a gift in memory of Dr. Foster) or by contacting Kim Holapa.