I became curious about Dan Hodgins' degrees and awards.
The 2007 annual conference brochure for the North Dakota Family Based Services Association (April 16-17, 2007)
gives the following bio for Dan Hodgins.
Dan Hodgins is an exceptional teacher and internationally renowned presenter. He has given keynotes, seminars and presentations in over 35 states. He has a unique grasp of children and family issues learned from his 30 + years of experience in the field of early education and care. Dan’s interactive style is both informative and entertaining. His insightful presentations is based on current research and filled with practical and effective strategies that can be used immediately. Dan has received the National Community Education Family Advocate Award, the Catalyst for Change Award; the National Community College Educator Award; Friend to Head Start; 4-C Child Advocate Award and continues to be recognized. Dan has been interviewed on many television shows and appears in many major newspaper and magazine articles across the country.
The Mott Community College page that lists full-time faculty in the social sciences has the following listing:
Dan Hodgins: since 1985, Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education, program director of Early Childhood Education Program, B.A. and M.A. from Central Michigan University.
from http://www.mcc.edu/3_academics/divisions/ss_faculty.shtml, retrieved 9/21/07 at 6:00 pm PST.
Questions: When, where, and in which field did Dan Hodgins earn his PhD?
The press release from Lakeland Community College (Kirtland, Ohio) announcing Dan Hodgins' presentation on March 3, 2007, lists Hodgins as a PhD, and indicates that he had "recently retired" from his position at Mott Community College. The press release also lists Hodgins "numerous national awards". In other announcements, the awards are not referenced as national.
Dan Hodgins' Listed Awards
National Community Education Family Advocate
The National Community Education Association is based in Fairfax, Virginia.
Community Education, the educational philosophy that underlies community schools, advocates the creation of opportunities for community members — individuals, schools, businesses, and public and private organizations — to become partners in addressing community needs. Community education is most easily recognized in the community school, a facility that is open beyond the traditional school day for the purpose of providing academic, recreation, health, social service, and work-preparation programs for people of all ages.
Evidently they do give awards at their annual meeting, but I have not been able to find a roster of awardees.
There's also a National Center for Community Education, which is based in Flint, Michigan. They too may give awards, but I wasn't able to find a roster of awardees.
The Catalyst of Change Award
There are several awards entitled "Catalyst for Change". A national one is the Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award, given by the American Library Association. Mr. Hodgins is not a recipient of that award.
The Wernle Children’s Home, Inc., a social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has an annual "Catalyst for Change" Award. recognizing individuals who have bettered life for children.
The Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children Shirley Dean Catalyst for Change Award is an award presented annyal by MwAEYC to
honor a person who has provided outstanding leadership and service to the early childhood profession. The recipient must be a member of AEYC, and have served the Midwest AEYC Council in an exemplary way.
I have not been able to find a roster of awardees.
National Community College Educator
No award by that name exists, except in Mr. Hodgin's bio blurbs. The American Association of Community Colleges gives a "National Leadership Award" but Mr. Hodgins is not listed as a recipient.
Friend to Head Start
Oops. Once again, the only place that appears as written ("Friend to Head Start") is in Mr. Hodgins' bio. There is a national Head Start Association, but no roster of awards or awardees exist
4-C Child Advocate Award
Oops. Once again, the only place that appears as written ("4-C Child Advocate Award") is in Mr. Hodgins' bio. 4-C stands for "Community Coordinated Child Care"; there are 4-C organizations in many states, regions, and counties. There doesn't seem to be a national umbrella organization, although I could be wrong. Michigan's 4-C is here. I don't know if they give awards or not.
Of course, keep in mind that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
The Dan Hodgins File
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I Speak of Dreams: More on Dan Hodgins and the Crockus
I Speak of Dreams: You Can Hear Dan Hodgins on the Crockus!
You don't like this guy, do you? ;)
Posted by: Joel | Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 06:11 PM
The link that you provided to info on Hodgins from Mott Community College is old (the one retrieved 9-21-07). If look here, it indicates that Hodgins retired in Spring, 2006: http://www.mcc.edu/pdf/connection_nwsltr/connection_may2006.pdf. He's not listed as Early Childhood faculty in their Department of Social Sciences today. Click the Faculty and Staff link on this page: http://www.mcc.edu/3_academics/divisions/social_sciences.shtml
Posted by: ECE Professional | Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 10:23 PM