Longtime Teacher Awarded uI honorary Doctorate

By Allison R. Stormo

Sue Hovey has dedicated her entire career to teaching our youths. Now, after nearly 50 years of service to Idaho education, the University of Idaho has selected her to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

“I was amazed,” Hovey said. “I always had a career that I loved — but I didn’t think I had a career that would qualify for an honorary degree.”

Although humble, the alumna’s efforts as a champion of education in Idaho is widespread. She attended Baylor University in her native state of Texas for several years before marrying her husband, Norman. His time in the military took them to a variety of places before they chose to call Moscow home. Hovey then became a Vandal and finished her bachelor’s degree in education in 1968. She went on to earn a master’s degree is sociology in 1978.

Hovey started working for the Moscow School District directly after receiving her bachelor’s and spent nearly 30 years with the district until her retirement in 1996.

“I never got tired of teaching. I always enjoyed it,” she said.

Hovey’s passion for teaching expanded beyond the classroom. She became an advocate for education at local, state and national levels through her service on boards and volunteer efforts.

“Sue Hovey has, over the course of a long career, supported teachers, the teaching profession and teachers’ quests to become the best teachers possible,” said Cori Mantle-Bromley, dean of the College of Education.

Hovey indeed has supported education through a wide variety of positions including president of the Moscow Education Association, member of Idaho’s Special Education Advisory Board, chair of Idaho Professional Teaching Standards and serving on the board of the National Education Associated Board of Directors, to name just a few. She also was among the founding board members of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) when it formed in 1986.

“The work that Sue Hovey did in her career not only changed the lives of countless children, but her visionary efforts and passion for teachers will change the lives of the children of Idaho and the nation for generations,” said Jerry McMurtry, associate dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Hovey’s work continued after she retired from the Moscow School District when she remained as the facilitator of the UI’s NBPTS, only retiring from the position in 2013.

Her dedication has earned her notable awards throughout the years at a local and national level including Outstanding Idaho Teacher and winner of The Disney Channel Salutes the American Teacher.

“I know I was a good teacher and I know I was dedicated,” Hovey said. “But there are many teachers like me.”

While Hovey doesn’t see herself as someone who stands out in the crowd, honorary degrees are awarded to individuals deserving of honor by virtue of scholarly distinction, noteworthy public service or significant contributions to Idaho.

“I am getting this degree for a lot of wonderful people,” she said. “I feel very fortunate that my life has been made much more enjoyable by my career and by my work with folks at the University of Idaho and teachers throughout Idaho.”