Teachers Who Made a Difference recognition

		Donor Spotlight – Betty Hale

Betty Hale

By Josh Shepherd

Elizabeth “Betty” Hale graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Education. From Kentucky, she went to Massachusetts and earned master’s degrees from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education (Ed.M.) and John F. Kennedy School of Government (M.P.A.).

Her academic experience had a direct impact on the course of her professional career. From her experiences teaching school at military installations all over the world to her current position as president of the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C., Hale credits the success of her professional life to the opportunities that higher education provided her.

Reflecting on her education and career, Hale talked about how, as a student, she depended on assistance to get through college and its importance to her.

“My initial tuition assistance came in the form of a federal loan. Without that help, it would have been very difficult for me to get through school. I’ve come to appreciate how much college students, especially graduate students, depend on donor contributions to make their education and career possible. That is one of the primary reasons I make a gift to UK each year.”

In addition to being a member of the UK Alumni Association since 1993, Betty Hale has contributed annually to the UK College of Education since 1994. One of the primary reasons that Betty contributes is to enable students to do exactly what she did – earn their degree and engage in a fulfilling career.

Hale has seen first hand this nation’s need for highly skilled professional educators. From teachers to principals, superintendents and policy makers, this country needs qualified professionals at every level. Her annual gift, combined with the contributions of others, is essential to ensure that new professionals enter the field of education and that they are adequately prepared to instruct succeeding generations.

Mrs. Hale views her gift as an investment in the University of Kentucky and the continuing legacy of excellence at the College of Education.

“As a land grant institution, UK is Kentucky’s intellectual center. As an alum, it’s my obligation to help perpetuate and enhance UK’s academic reputation. I want to emphasize, though, that there are many methods of giving back to your alma mater besides writing a check. You can also give your time and expertise to support UK’s students and faculty.”

In 2002, the UK College of Education named Betty Hale to its Alumni Hall of Fame and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, presented her with the “Alumni Council Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education” in 2005. Both of these awards acknowledge Hale’s lifelong leadership in the field.

The students often don’t know the names of those whose gifts have made their UK education possible, but that doesn’t bother Betty Hale. It is enough for her to know that her support is vital to their success and that her gift will enable another teacher to pass on what they’ve learned to their students.