EHE News
David W. Andrews Selected for 2008 Champion of Children Award
Linda Cass, chair, Champion of Children; 2008 honoree David W. Andrews; and E. Gordon Gee, president, The Ohio State University
Photo by Randy Rosen
David W. Andrews, professor of human development and family relations, College of Education and Human Ecology, accepted the 2008 Champion of Children Award on Feb. 5 at a ceremony held at the Southern Theatre, Columbus. Nominated by central Ohio community members, winners of the Champion of Children Award are recognized for the deep, far-reaching impact they make on the lives of children.
Andrews recently returned to the faculty after serving as dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology.
He and his family were special guests at the 15th annual Champion of Children Award Event, which featured a panel discussion with community leaders moderated by ABC-6 senior reporter Carol Luper. The panelists - Tanny Crane, president and CEO of the Crane Group; Lee Fisher, lieutenant governor, State of Ohio; and Mark Real, president and CEO, KidsOhio.org - focused on defining kindergarten readiness and how its lack affects the future of both children and our community.
After the panel presentation, Tom Hoaglin, chairman and CEO of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., described why Andrews' accomplishments make him the 2008 Champion of Children. A video illustrated his efforts on behalf of young learners.
Carl Kohrt, president and CEO of Battelle, was one of several community leaders who nominated Andrews for the award. "Dr. Andrews brings together people who care and who have the capacity to create; he helps them articulate a shared vision and mobilizes them into the power of many," Kohrt said.
"He believes strongly in collaborative projects and is known as a caring partner who puts the needs of children first. There are very few projects in central Ohio involving children that do not actively seek his involvement from their inception."
"David has the opportunity to make a lasting effect on the Columbus Public Schools and has already become a vital partner and resource to the educational communities in central Ohio," said Thekla Shackelford, founding member and chairman of I Know I Can. "In a short time, he has moved large hills and, in the very near future, I believe Columbus and all of its children will begin to see mountains moving as well."
Andrews was chosen for the award while serving as the first dean of the newly formed College of Education and Human Ecology. The Champion of Children Fund states that the establishment of the new college was inspired by his vision to create an organization that could more effectively address the holistic needs of learners of all ages, consumers, families, and communities by bringing together professionals from a wide range of disciplines to focus on complex social problems.
The award recognizes Andrews in particular for his work on two major projects in central Ohio. The Weinland Park education complex, which includes the Schoenbaum Family Center and the Weinland Park Elementary School, is a $20 million project that serves more than 400 families in the economically challenged Weinland Park neighborhood. This program will meet educational and developmental needs of children from birth through the 5th grade.
Andrews' involvement with Metro High School is the other project cited. At the request of Karen Holbrook, then president of Ohio State, he provided leadership for the partnership that had the school up and running in 15 months. The Ohio State University, Battelle, and Franklin County Educational Council are partners in focusing the school on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Metro High School will reach its capacity of 400 students in grades 9 - 12 and graduate its first class in 2010.
The panel discussion was later broadcast by ABC-6 in Columbus. It also can be viewed on Warner Cable channel 1111.
For more about the Champion of Children Fund, visit http://www.championofchildren.org/about.html
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