Keeton to receive Tolley Award, address UC candidates

Keeton to receive Tolley Award, address UC candidatesApril 21, 2004Peggy Morgan

Morris T. Keeton, senior scholar at the Institute for Research and Assessment in Higher Education (IRAHE) at University of Maryland-University College (UMUC), and president emeritus of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), will address the part-time degree candidates of Syracuse University and receive the University’s highest continuing education honor, the William Pearson Tolley Medal. He will speak at the annual University College Convocation and Commencement Celebration, April 30 at 6 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

The Tolley Medal recognizes individuals who are outstanding leaders in the field of continuing education. The award was endowed in 1966 by then-Chancellor Tolley and has been awarded 11 times. The Tolley Medal signifies SU’s commitment to lifelong learning through continuing education. Keeton’s commitments, previous positions, honors and works confirm his dedication to lifelong learning, specifically in the areas of experiential learning, adult education, best instructional practices and workforce training.

His remarks to the University community will focus on best instructional practices in the field of continuing education.

Keeton began his career as an instructor in the social sciences at Southern Methodist University in 1938. In 1941, he became educational secretary for the Brethren Service Commission’s Civilian Public Service. Keeton later became an assistant professor at Antioch College in 1947. He served as chief academic officer from 1963-77 and was acting president in 1975-76. During this time, Keeton served as president and executive board member of the American Association for Higher Education, of which he is a lifetime member. He was also an institutional evaluator and executive board member for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as chairman of CAEL’s steering committee. Later, he would serve as CEO of CAEL, chairman of the American Council on Education’s Commission on Higher Education and the Adult Learner, and senior consultant to the president and trustees of Cambridge College.

Keeton’s honors include eight honorary doctorates, the Presidential Medal of UMUC, and a position as a post-service Guggenheim Fellow. In 1996, Keeton was awarded the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) Leadership Award. In 1999, he was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame.

Keeton’s published works include “The Philosophy of Edmund Duncan Montgomery,” “Employability in a High Performance Economy,” and “Efficiency in Higher Education: A Guide for Fostering Learning.” He has also published articles in the Journal of Philosophy and The Philosophy of Science.

Keeton received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from Southern Methodist University as well as a master’s and doctoral degree in philosophy from Harvard University.

For more information on Keeton’s visit or the University College Convocation and Commencement Celebration, call 443-3527.