Biographical Text
Professor Emerita of Language, Reading and Exceptionalities Eris Arrowood Dedmond (March 15, 1931-) was born in Caroleen, North Carolina. She received her B.S. degree in elementary education from Western Carolina University in 1963. In 1968, she received an M.S. degree in reading education from Florida State University, and in 1974 she was awarded a Ph.D. degree in reading/language education from Florida State University. Prior to her appointment at Appalachian State University, Dr. Dedmond was an elementary classroom teacher in Rutherford County schools (1962-65) in Forest City, North Carolina, and in the Rowan County Schools (1965-67) in Salisbury, North Carolina. Her appointment to Appalachian State in 1968, came as an instructor in reading, and tenure was awarded in 1974. In addition, she taught in the Appalachian State University graduate extension (and cluster) programs in Morganton, Hickory, Gastonia, and Pembroke, North Carolina. Her research projects (1973-74) funded by Florida State University resulted in two publications: Interpersonal Aspects of Teaming (with Gay P. Lutz, Florida State University, 1973), and Interpersonal Aspects of Teaming, a videotape accompaniment to the module (United States Office of Education, 1974), Dedmond's other publications are Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning to Read, Reading World, II (1972); "An Investigation to Determine the Effectiveness of the Informal Classroom Reading Diagnosis and Correction Modules" (1974); and Linguistics for the Teacher of Reading, a text for a course in linguistics and the reading process. In addition, Dedmond presented a paper entitled "Helping Students Gain Control of the Writing Process" at the Appalachian Reading Symposium in October 1983. Working with Dr. Alice Naylor, she developed a research proposal entitled "A Study to Identify the Differences Between Female and Male Responses to Moral Dilemmas in Literature Through the Writing Process." This project reflected her research endeavors during a scholarly leave in the spring semester of 1983. Professor Dedmond instituted the course Linguistics and Reading (RE 4650), designed the course Informal Classroom Reading Diagnosis and Correction (RE 4710), and designed, then coordinated, the undergraduate major in reading education (the first in North Carolina and in the nation). She chaired sessions at the annual Appalachian State University Reading Symposium for several years. Dr. Dedmond served on numerous university committees, including search committees for chancellor, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Elementary Education (chair), Reading Education (chair) the Academic Policy Committee, and the College Committee on Faculty Development. Other committee service included membership on the NCATE Committee on Folios; NCATE Committee on Faculty; Student Teaching Committee; Core Curriculum Committee in Language and Communication; State II Committee on the ASCS Self Study; College of Education, Task Force III; Departmental Personnel Committee; and the Graduate Review Committee. She was also a member of the Equal Opportunity Task Force and the Faculty Senate (college senator) from 1979 to 1980. Additionally, Dr. Dedmond served as an advisor and counselor to undergraduate majors in reading education. Eris Dedmond retired in June 1991 and was appointed to faculty emerita status at that time. She has one son, Allan Thomas Wilson (1950-). She and her late husband, Dr. Francis B. Dedmond, made their home in Boone, North Carolina. Sources: Appalachian State University files and long association. -Dr. Richard D. Howe
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