When Marilyn Gaddis arrived at UW–Madison more than 50 years ago, she was already an accomplished educator with years of experience in the field. She hadn’t planned to pursue another degree — but after the sudden loss of her first husband, she came to campus seeking solace and a new beginning. With graduate coursework already under her belt, she was encouraged to enroll in the PhD program in educational administration. She earned her doctorate in 1977.
Now nearing her 97th birthday, Gaddis is reflecting on a remarkable life and career dedicated to advancing education for high-ability students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Throughout her life, she has remained a proud UW–Madison alum and a generous supporter of the School of Education — especially through her longtime funding of travel scholarships for students from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.
Recently the School of Education communications team sat down with Gaddis to reflect on her experiences at UW–Madison, her career, and what inspires her to give back. Following is an edited Q&A:
What inspired you to return to UW–Madison for your doctorate in educational administration? My parents lived in Madison for a short time when my father was the assistant director of the USAFI (United States Armed Forces Institute). My husband and I visited them several times and loved the area!
After my first husband died unexpectedly, I decided to go back to school. I had been serving as a facilitator for Individually Guided Education programs in California, and I had attended conferences and met people from Madison who had developed the programs. When I enrolled in classes in 1975, I was told to enter the PhD program because I had lots of graduate credits that would apply. I really wasn’t there to get another degree — I was there to “mend a broken heart.”
Were there any obstacles you faced as a woman pursuing advanced education and leadership roles during your time? How did you navigate or overcome them? You bet! In my group, there were a number of women coming back to school, and we were women who had been principals or administrators or in school leadership roles. But there were hardly any women professors in the department. We just felt a little uncomfortable because the men sort of ruled the roost.
Many of us (both men and women) worked on a student-led Curriculum Committee, which was established to help ensure we were getting relevant, timely information — kind of to keep the faculty on their toes. However, our work also helped to give women more of a voice within the department. We helped activate women taking on more leadership roles and serving as role models.
Do you have any favorite or fun memories from your time on campus — whether in class, around Madison, or with your fellow students?
- Walking over to pick up ice hockey tickets my first year — the next year, part of our group staying up all night to get hockey tickets after we won the national championship!
- Celebrating my 50th birthday at a picnic with grad school friends, especially Australian friends there to get their degrees.
- My first winter, suffering greatly from the cold, since I was coming from Southern California.
- And of course, Babcock ice cream — especially in the winter! My friends, we would walk to Union South in the snow and get ice cream, and of course, people thought we were crazy.
What path did your career take after leaving UW? Are there particular roles, achievements, or moments that you’re especially proud of? After I graduated, I continued working with Individualized Education Curriculum, attending and presenting at national and international conferences on IGE (Individually Guided Education). I co-developed a master’s program at Texas State University for training teachers to work with high-ability (gifted) children, receiving several grants to focus on young, poverty-level gifted children. I also served as the National Chair for Special Populations of Gifted for the Texas Association and the National Association for the Gifted.
Why did you decide to give back to UW–Madison and to support travel scholarships for ELPA students? Funds for traveling to conferences were always hard to find when I was a student. They are important, though, for meeting with others in the field, getting out and making connections, running your research by those in the profession, and learning how to find a job!
What hopes or advice do you have for today’s ELPA students as they prepare to lead in the field of education? They never said it would be easy! However, the profession, for me, has been very rewarding. Yes, it is hard work to meet the needs and dreams of all your students. But by continuing your studies, you will have more to offer your students and your colleagues. Times are changing… be a lifelong learner!
What does being part of the UW–Madison community mean to you today? I read the “stats” and national reviews, Madison is right up there with the best of them! I served on the very first Board of Visitors (for the School of Education) and have served several times since — what an honor. I’m very proud to be a Badger.