ElaRuth McCullough of Nacogdoches accepts the 2014 Edna Wilkin Teagarden Award for Exemplary Service in Human Sciences at the recent SFA School of Human Sciences convocation. Dr. Lynda Martin, director of the school, looks on.
The award is given annually by the SFA School of Human Sciences and recognizes extraordinary professional achievements by graduates, including development and implementation of human sciences concepts and principles in the field. McCullough accepted the award at the School of Human Sciences convocation in April.
McCullough received her bachelor’s degree in home economics in 1966 with a major in vocational home economics. She continued her education at SFA, earning a master’s degree in administrative leadership in 1971.
After several years of teaching at the elementary and junior high levels, she agreed to the request of her high school principal to teach Family and Consumer Sciences at the junior and senior levels. It soon became obvious to her that a problem existed in the area of teenage pregnancy. She then devoted her attention and energy to helping young girls continue their education. Her successful grant writing yielded funding for a school day care, busing for participants and social work.
McCullough then moved into administration to implement the new programs, gaining credentials to direct the day care program, the school’s social work department and, ultimately, the school district’s Career and Technology Education Program. With the success of her endeavors, the Texas Education Agency invited her to visit Texas schools and monitor their programs and finances. She also served as an SFA adjunct professor, instructing graduate students on the CATE Program. Her organizational affiliations included Delta Kappa Gamma and Alpha Delta Kappa, both professional sororities for teachers.
McCullough was married to the late Dr. Jack McCullough, a past SFA Regents Professor and professor emeritus of biology. The couple has two sons and three grandchildren.
