Extended Studies Emeritus Dean Byxbee Honored for 25 Years of Service
The Association for the Advancement of International Education presented William Byxbee with a plaque honoring his years of service to the organization.
William E. Byxbee, emeritus dean of SDSU's College of Extended Studies (CES), was recently recognized for his 25 years of membership with the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE).
Byxbee was CES dean from 2000-07 and was awarded the title of Emeritus Dean of Extended Studies by SDSU President Stephen L. Weber.
From 1968-2007, Byxbee was involved in professional education and held positions as classroom teacher, principal, professor, dean of education and dean of graduate studies. His primary interest was in the establishment of national and international extended education programs for adult learners.
Recognizing Byxbee's service
Mark Ulfers, past president of AAIE and Head of the Frankfurt International School, presented Byxbee with a plaque for his AAIE service during a recent conference in San Francisco.
Ulfers noted that Byxbee began his association with AAIE in 1984 when he was living in Europe working as the assistant dean of education for Boston University. Byxbee subsequently lived overseas and worked for ABC News and the University of Maryland University College until being appointed dean of SDSU's College of Extended Studies in 2000.
AAIE and SDSU
"When AAIE was in need, William and SDSU came forward and hosted AAIE in his college for three years," Ulfers said to AAIE convention attendees in San Francisco. "He is now the CES Emeritus Dean for SDSU and continues to consult with them on international programs and projects."
Byxbee retired from SDSU to support the career of his wife, Cindy Emmans, who is working in a senior administrative position in the Washington, D.C. area. Upon retirement, Byxbee noted that his wife had previously left a tenured professorship in order to follow him to San Diego.
Even in retirement, Byxbee has continued his association with AAIE.
"It has been a privilege to be associated with AAIE for 25 years," he said. "During that time I have been able to observe and participate in the expansion and upgrading of international education, which has been the mission of AAIE since its inception. I look forward to continuing to contribute my time and services in whatever capacity best meets the needs of AAIE in the years to come."
More about Byxbee
During the Carter Administration he served as special assistant to the U.S. Chief of Protocol in the Department of State, and as deputy treasurer for the Democratic National Committee. He has been a food, wine and travel editor, as well as working for ABC News and for CNN/Turner Learning.
He is also a certified pilot and member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. His doctorate is from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Joe Shapiro, who replaced Byxbee as dean of Extended Studies in 2007, complimented his predecessor on the AAIE recognition.
"William's global perspective led him to develop a commitment to international education many years before this focus was common in mainstream education," said Shapiro, the current CES dean. "His foresight and commitment help lead the way in promoting international education opportunities. We look forward to his continued contributions, as the SDSU CES Emeritus Dean, to AAIE and international education."
