Dr. Jo Ann Dauzat and Louisiana Tech commencement ceremonies go together like peas in a pod.

As dean emeritus and professor emeritus of the College of Education, Dauzat has attended four dozen Bulldog graduations. This is the first one she has been nervous about.

On Aug. 14, though, she is hoping her stress will subside, and her purpose and pride in the graduates will shine through as she delivers her first-ever commencement address, titled “Four Ps in a Pod.” Dauzat said she wants to offer encouragement to students to continue their educational pursuits outside of the classroom. They should find what they love but not ever lose sight of their principles. Dauzat has definitely followed her own advice. From her own early beginnings as an elementary school teacher right out of college, to raising four sons, becoming an administrator in the public school system to holding faculty and administrative positions at three universities, she is a testament to what hard work with a purpose and continuing education can bring.

Dr. Jo Ann Dauzat

Her list of accolades and accomplishments to both her profession and her community are invaluable. One of her most recent was the securing of more than $8 million in funding for promoting professional competence of educators in rural school systems and providing direct service to students in impoverished, rural and inner-city areas and to students with other significant academic risk factors.

She retired from a 40-year career in education, culminating as dean of the College of Education in December 2007. Dauzat currently serves as special assistant to Tech President Dan Reneau.

Commencement will be at 2 p.m. in the Thomas Assembly Center.

Written by Elizabeth Christian