3 Inducted To Rhododendron Society At ASU


The Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University introduced the 2012 class of Rhododendron Society inductees at a breakfast ceremony on Saturday, June 9. This year’s honorees were Samuel Houston of Raleigh, Bill Campbell of Mocksville, and Colon Nifong of Lexington. Dr. Samuel Houston of Raleigh, N.C., graduated from Appalachian State University in 1965 with a B.S. in physical education and in 1966 with a M.A. in health and physical education. Currently, Houston is president and chief executive officer of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center. For 36 years, Bill Campbell of Mocksville, N.C., worked as a teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal before retiring in 2006.  He credits Appalachian State University for being the foundation for his life’s work.  Campbell received his B.S. in elementary education from Appalachian in 1972, his M.A. in education administration in 1980, and his Ed.S. in educational administration in 1988. Colon Nifong of Lexington, N.C., is a retired teacher and coach.  He earned his B.S. in mathematics from Appalachian State University in 1955 and his M.A. in elementary education in 1956.He was a graduate assistant football coach at Appalachian for a year and served on the board of directors of Appalachian’s Former Athletes Association for two years.  Induction is the highest honor given by the Reich College of Education.  The Rhododendron Society was created to recognize graduates of Appalachian whose service as teachers, librarians, human service professionals or administrators has reflected great credit on themselves, the field of education and the university. The induction breakfast was held in the Bryce and Izoria Gordon Gathering Hall located in the new Reich College of Education Building during Appalachian’s annual Alumni Reunion Weekend, June 8-9.