UHV School of Education alumna wins award

Beth Dow

Beth Dow, principal of Velasquez Elementary School in Richmond, was a Houston-area finalist in the elementary school principal category. She was awarded her Master’s of Education degree in administration and supervision in 1996 from UHV in the first class to go through the program in Sugar Land.

As a finalist, Dow was given $1,000 plus a $2,500 grant for her school. She will now go on to compete statewide for $10,000 and a $25,000 grant for her school.

Dow was selected out of some 1,000 nominees for the award. Contestants were nominated by H-E-B employees, customers and community members, and then sent a package asking them to share their professional experiences, educational philosophies and accomplishments both in and out of the classroom.

UHV featured prominently in Dow's responses.

"I cannot speak highly enough of UHV," Dow said. The personal relationships developed with her professors, especially professor Nora Hutto, helped her become the principal she is today, she said.

"Many times I hear her words vibrate through my brain," Dow said. Hutto taught her to always stay human and stay focused on the children.

Hutto had words of praise for her former student, too.

"Beth was an outstanding student and teacher. I knew when she became principal that her caring and concern would foster a culture of success for students and teachers alike," Hutto said. "We are very honored because she represents the best in all of us every day."

John Stansell, dean of the School of Education & Human Development, agreed.

"Beth Dow is truly a distinguished graduate of our school, and she takes her place among many others who have excelled as principals, counselors, superintendents and teachers," Stansell said. "Together, they set an outstanding example for our present and future students to follow."