Senate Resolution No. 1318

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Excellence in
Education Award by the University at Albany Alumni
Association

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Excellence in Education Award by the University at Albany Alumni
Association to be celebrated with a Gala on May 4, 2019, at Wolfert's
Roost, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award pays tribute to alumni for
extraordinary distinction in the field of education, including pre-K
through post-secondary classroom teaching, school services and
administration/supervision; and

WHEREAS, As associate professor in the University at Albany School
of Education's Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning, Dr. Cheryl
L. Dozier is considered among the best professors in the school; she
has spent nearly four decades improving the quality of literacy
education in local school districts and has created programs replicated
in numerous schools across the state; and

WHEREAS, Cheryl L. Dozier received a bachelor's degree in elementary
education from Springfield College before earning her master's degree
from SUNY New Paltz; she began her illustrious career in education
teaching primary grades in the Poughkeepsie City School District and
middle school students in the Arlington Central School District; and

WHEREAS, After earning a Ph.D. from the University at Albany
(UAlbany) in 2001, Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier joined the faculty in the
Department of Literacy Teaching and Learning; she was promoted to
Associate Professor in 2009; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier also taught inaugural courses in the
UAlbany Master of Science in Reading online program, and played a
critical role in developing the master's degree program for literacy
specialist certification, birth to grade six; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she was instrumental in establishing literacy
clinical experiences in the Albany School District and expanding new
clinical opportunities in the Cohoes City School District, where she
addressed learning gaps and has allowed for a brighter future for
countless students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier currently directs the UAlbany Literacy
Lab, a capstone practicum experience for students becoming literacy

specialists in local schools; she has also co-led multiple study abroad
sessions in Belize, Central America, where undergraduate students study
the area's educational systems and teach in two schools; and

WHEREAS, Since 2009, Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier has led the Building
Learning Communities to Improve Student Achievement project; also known
as Teacher Leadership Quality Partnership (TLQP), the project supported
collaborative relationships to provide quality professional development
through Professional Learning Communities in four elementary schools in
the City School District of Albany; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier received the UAlbany President's Award
for Public Engagement in 2017 for leading the project; she is also the
proud recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award and UAlbany President's
Award for Excellence in Teaching, as well as the Jerry Johns Outstanding
Teacher Educator in Reading Award presented by the International
Literacy Association; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman is the author of Responsive
Literacy Coaching: Tools for Creating and Sustaining Purposeful Change
and Critical Literacy/Critical Teaching: Tools for Preparing Responsible
Teachers; in addition, her work has been published in numerous book
chapters and leading journals; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier is a member of several organizations
including the Literacy Research Association, International Literacy
Association, New York State Reading Association, and Albany City Area
Reading Council; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier has continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the
University at Albany for the benefit of its faculty and students, as
well as for the entire community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Excellence in Education Award by the University at
Albany Alumni Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Cheryl L. Dozier.