Dr. Richard W. Woodcock, former psychology professor at the Western Oregon University, has made of gift of $1.4 million for the establishment of Richard Woodcock Education Center. The donation is considered to be the third largest single gift in school history.
The 58,000 square foot facility, scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, aims to train Oregon's next generation of teachers, and hopes to provide a better educated Oregon citizens and enhanced economy.
The $18.6 million education center will include modern teaching tools like SMART Boards, avatar simulations, and live-streaming connections with real classrooms in partnership with Salem-Keizer School District among others.
Plus, the building will comprise three divisions of Teacher Education, Special Education, and Health and Physical Education, to encourage better collaboration across disciplines and instructional delivery.
WOU President Mark Weiss is thankful for Dr. Woodcock's venture in Western Oregon University College of Education.
"This action is a testament to his fine work as a world-renowned educator and his commitment to Oregonians. Additionally, his personal interest in both bilingual education and special educational needs is a demonstration of Dr. Woodcock's commitment to challenging today's teachers to exceed the needs of tomorrow. We are proud to have a college of education building named after his ongoing legacy," Weiss said in a statement.
Woodcock served as an assistant professor of psychology and the reading clinic director from 1957 to 1961 at Western Oregon University. Woodcock said that his stint as a faculty member at the Oregon College of Education is one of the most memorable experiences of his career.
"When I heard about the plans for a new College of Education building and the opportunity to become involved, it sparked my interest. I believe my investment in this facility and its students will have a continuing impact even beyond Oregon as WOU continues to produce highly effective and inspiring educators," Woodcock said.
