Famed author and academic Dr. Temple Grandin to speak at Presbyterian College’s 10th annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute
July 26, 2024
One of the country’s most prominent animal behaviorists and champion for autism rights will be the keynote speaker at Presbyterian College’s 10th annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute.
Author and academic Dr. Temple Grandin will deliver her address, “The World Needs ALL Kinds of Minds” at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, in Belk Auditorium, followed by a book signing. The event is free to the public, but registration is required online at www.presby.edu.
The Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute is hosted annually by PC’s Education Department for educators around the state to network and learn. Education professor Dr. Tammy Graham, the department’s special education program coordinator, said Grandin’s appearance at the event is a fitting way to celebrate the institute’s 10th anniversary.
“Who better to fulfill the Charles Chadwell Endowment’s purpose of helping others understand the impact of disabilities on individuals and their families than Dr. Grandin?” Graham said. “What a phenomenal opportunity for our preservice teachers to hear Dr. Grandin’s unique perspective on the importance of acknowledging, respecting, and cultivating the different types of minds their future students may display!”
Grandin is best known as a leading proponent of the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior. A professor of animal science in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University, she teaches courses on livestock behavior and facility design and frequently consults with the livestock industry on livestock handling and animal welfare.
Grandin is also one of first autistic people to document and share her personal experiences with autism. She was the subject of the award-winning 2010 biographical film, “Temple Grandin,” based on Grandin’s memoirs, Emergence and Thinking in Pictures. Starring Claire Danes as Grandin, the film earned seven Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild award for Danes.
In 2010, Time named Grandin to its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She has also appeared in numerous shows like “20/20,” “PrimeTime Live,” “60 Minutes,” and “The Today Show,” and has been featured in People Magazine, The New York Times, Forbes, and Discover amongst many others.
A graduate of Franklin Pierce College, Grandin earned her master’s degree in animal science at Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Illinois. She has written more than 400 articles in scientific journals and livestock periodicals and has authored more than a dozen books on animal behavior and autism.
In 2017, Grandin was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame, and, in 2018, was named a fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2020, CEO Magazine named her one of the top 10 Best College Professors.
The Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute honors the life of the late Dr. Charles Chadwell and his work with individuals with special needs. Frances and Jean Cothran established an endowment at Presbyterian College in honor of Dr. Chadwell and his work at the Whitten Center where their son was a resident. This endowment provides for the annual institute as well as scholarship opportunities for students who major in special education at PC.
Associate professor of education Dr. Julia Wilkins hailed the annual event for its support of special education professionals and the students they serve.
“The education department began the annual tradition of the Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute 10 years ago, and since then, around 400 educators across the state have benefited from this invaluable educational and networking opportunity,” she said. “As a free event, we are delighted to welcome members of the public each year. Presbyterian College is incredibly fortunate to be able to play such an important role in enhancing education for professionals and families dedicated to supporting students with disabilities.”
