By George Yatchisin

	Melvyn Semmel

Melvyn Semmel of UCSB's Gevirtz Graduate School of Education has been awarded the prestigious Edward A. Dickson Emeriti Professorship for 2008-09.

Semmel and his wife, Dorothy, also an emeritus faculty member, founded the school’s special education program in 1978. The current academic year marks the 30th anniversary of this doctoral research and teacher education program, which is now called the Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies Program.

The Dickson professorship provides $10,000 in funding for research-related activities. Semmel plans to conduct special doctoral research seminars for Gevirtz School students, and continue his collaborative international research at Tel Aviv University and in Jerusalem. He will also assist in planning the 30th anniversary celebration of the special education program.

The Dickson Emeriti Professorship is named in honor of Edward Dickson, who served as a regent of the University of California from 1913-1946. Professorships in his name exist at each of the UC campuses.