Family education legacy faculty:
Roxana Ruth Ford
Photo courtesy of University
Archives, University of
Minnesota, Twin Cities
Roxana Ruth Ford was a valued faculty member at the University of Minnesota for thirty years (1947-1975). She has been described as an adult education leader, excellent teacher, successful administrator, innovative program developer, supportive advisor, and splendid colleague. Since her retirement, Ford traveled extensively in pursuit of greater knowledge and understanding of the various people and cultures throughout the world.
The primary focus of Ford’s professional work was adult education. This included teaching adult classes, evaluation adult homemaking programs, establishing criteria for effective programs and applying these standards to existing programs, supervising undergraduate students’ practice teaching in adult education, and planning farm and Home Seminars with the Extension Service and Schools of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics. Ford was also one of the first in the field to point out the overemphasis of clothing construction classes and who saw the need for family-oriented classes.
Ford became the Head of the division of Home Economics Education in 1957. In 1959 she assumed the duties of Assistant Director of the School of Home Economics and then became Associate Director in 1967. When the School of Home Economics became the College of Home Economics, her title was changed to Associate Dean. She remained in this position, also assuming administrative duties in Home Economics Education until her retirement. After becoming an administrator, Ford nevertheless continued to develop curriculum and organized off-campus workshops and courses for home economics professionals. Professor Ford was a member and officer in a number of professional organizations and advised the United States office of Education.
The Roxana Ruth Ford Graduate Assistantship was established in 1988 and has supported graduate students since 1994.
