In Memoriam: Rebecca Kantor
Rebecca Kantor, Ed.D., dean of the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) passed away from a terminal illness in late April of 2021.
AACTE President and CEO Lynn M. Gangone, says, “Through our many walks together at CADREI, I developed a deeper understanding of and admiration for her passion to the profession. She was an exemplary leader for educator preparation, both within the state of Colorado and nationally, and leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence through the innumerable lives she touched, mentored, and impacted.”
Dr. Kantor arrived at CU Denver in 2012, having already built a strong career in education.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester in developmental psychology and linguistics, and her master’s with teaching certifications in early childhood and deaf education, as well as her doctorate in language and cognitive development from Boston University. Prior to joining CU Denver, she spent 27 years at the Ohio State University, first as an assistant professor and the director of the Teacher Preparation Laboratory School and then as director of the School of Teaching and Learning, achieving rank and tenure as a full professor.
With a passion for early childhood education, Dr. Kantor was instrumental in partnering with the Buell Foundation and Clayton Early Learning to bring the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program to SEHD. In the fall, she was featured in a Colorado Public Radio series about Colorado’s Early Childhood Workforce. Additionally, she served as a member of several boards and commissions, including Gov. Polis’ Early Childhood Leadership Commission.
Dr. Kantor was an important part of the growth that took place at SEHD. She worked on creating new undergraduate programs, grooming her students to become principles and executive leaders, enhancing online education and so much more. The week of April 23, she was named Dean Emerita in celebration of her dedication to leadership, scholarship, and mentorship to faculty, staff, and students.
To learn more about Dr. Kantor and her extensive contributions, read the full article on the CU Denver website.
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