Former UND dean and innovator in teaching and learning, Vito Perrone, dies

David L. Dodds

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

8-2011

Campus Unit

University of North Dakota

Abstract

The University of North Dakota has learned about the passing of one of the University’s former deans, Vito Perrone.

Perrone died on Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Cambridge, Mass. He was 78.

Vito Perrone, a native of Bath, Mich., served as dean of the UND Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) from 1972 to 1986. He first held the position of dean for the New School of Behavioral Studies at UND, and then after four years, began his stint as head of the CTL. He was nationally recognized for his work on educational equity, progressivism in education, and alternative assessment, according to Dan Rice, current dean of the UND College of Education and Human Development (EHD).

EHD will hold a remembrance time for former Dean Vito Perrone at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31, in Room 12 in the Education Building on campus. Room 12 is located on the lower level of the building and access may be gained through the main door to the new addition on the west or through the door on the south east corner of the building. Elevators are located near either entrance. University and community members are welcome.

Perrone founded the North Dakota Study Group, which continues to function as a national organization devoted to the educational values he espoused and held dear. Perrone wrote for both scholarly literature and popular media on educational issues and was one of the most influential educational voices in the country during this era, Rice said.

“He was certainly one of UND’s most remarkable and nationally recognized Deans, not just from education, Rice said. “For example, we had a young scholar from Japan here last year doing research about him and his work with alternative assessment.”

Perrone came to UND from Northern Michigan University, where he taught history and education and served as dean of the Graduate School. He studied history, sociology, science and education at Michigan State, where received his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D.

Perrone left UND in 1986 to become Vice President at the national Carnegie Foundation for Advancement in Teaching. Two years later, he joined the faculty of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and served as director of Teacher Education and chair of the Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments Program.

Prior to leaving UND, a scholarship for UND students was established in Perrone’s honor. Those wishing to honor the memory of Perrone may wish to contribute to that endowment by contacting Jena Pierce, alumni and development officer at the College of Education and Human Development, at 701-777-0844.

The University and Dean Rice, on behalf of the College of Education and Human Development, join Perrone’s family and many friends and colleagues in mourning his loss.

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