Valerie J. Bristor, Ph.D., Retires After 33 Years of Service to FAU

Dean Silverman presents retirement clock and Curriculum and Instruction bestow an award to Valerie J. Bristor for 33 years of service.

by Teresa Crane | Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021

Valerie J. Bristor came to Florida Atlantic University in 1988 after working as a classroom teacher for nine years in Mobile, Alabama. At FAU she taught undergraduate and graduate reading/language arts education courses. She served as chair of the department of Teacher Education for seven years, then became an associate dean of the College of Education, followed by her appointment as senior associate dean in fall 2006. She moved into the COE Dean’s seat in 2008 as interim and was appointed Dean of FAU College of Education in 2009. She returned to teaching reading and language arts education courses in 2019 and has recently retired from FAU November 30, 2021.

Bristor began her education at Evangel University where she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education. She furthered her discipline by attaining an M.Ed. at the University of South Alabama and a Ph.D. at Ball State University.

Bristor was a nominee for the President’s Leadership Award in 2006, a finalist for the College of Education Distinguished Teacher Award in 1997, and a recipient of the University Teacher Incentive Program Award in 1994. She was named one of 100 Women of Distinction at FAU.

She has served as Chair for the American Reading Forum, has been the Institutional Representative for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and for the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities. Bristor has been a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House and American/Canadian Cancer Societies and a member of the board of directors for the Broward Education Foundation.

COE Dean Stephen Silverman, Ed.D. presented Bristor with a COE commemorative clock and Bristor’s academic home, The Department of Curriculum and Instruction, bestowed a farewell award.

Thank you for your service. Wishing you all the very best in your retirement!