NAGC Remembers Dr. Marcia Gentry

NAGC joins the gifted and talented education community in mourning the loss of Dr. Marcia Gentry, who passed away on August 31, 2022. Dr. Gentry was Professor of Gifted, Talented, and Creative Studies in the Department of Educational Studies, and Director of the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER²I) at Purdue University. Her leadership, service, research, and tireless advocacy on behalf of underrepresented populations in gifted and talented education advanced the field and inspired so many of her colleagues and fellow educators. In recognition of her dedication and outstanding work, Dr. Gentry received the NAGC Distinguished Scholar Award in 2014 and most recently received the 2022 NAGC President’s Award.

In announcing the President’s Award, NAGC President Dr. Lauri Kirsch stated “Dr. Gentry’s contributions to the field of gifted and talented education are so immense and enduring that they are difficult to measure, but I know I speak on behalf of the entire Association when I say that we are incredibly thankful for her tireless efforts to help improve the lives of our most vulnerable and underserved gifted and talented children through her renowned research and mentorship. Marcia has surely helped pave the way for our next generation of gifted and talented practitioners and researchers to succeed.”

Upon her selection for the President’s Award, Dr. Gentry shared “Knowing that my colleagues and other scholars in the field for whom I have deep respect find my contributions worthy of this award is incredibly meaningful…We have much work to be done in our field, but I am heartened by the attempts to strengthen and expand opportunities and support for students from all demographics and diverse populations. I have been so grateful to work in this field and do work that is so personally meaningful. The NAGC President’s Award, in particular, means so very much to me.”

In addition to her recognition as the 2022 President’s Award recipient, NAGC will provide an opportunity for friends and colleagues to remember Dr. Gentry at NAGC22 November 16-18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.