Mary Beth Evans, a research professor in the department of curriculum, instruction and special education in the College of Education and Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi, received the Walter M. Mathews Historical Contributions Award from the Mid-South Educational Research Association. The award is given to individuals who contributed to the growth and development of the organization. Dr. Evans has developed model summer school programs that are used across the United States.
Dr. Evans has been on the faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi for 25 years. She previously taught for 35 years at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Professor Evans, who earned an educational doctorate at Wayne State University, is now 95 years old.