Cathy Grace, Ed.D. (MSU University Relations) Click on photo for larger view.

Grace to Guide Children’s Defense Fund Early Childhood Agenda

JUNE 17, 2009 │Cathy Grace, Ed.D., of the Mississippi State University (MSU) Early Childhood Institute will join the Children’s Defense Fund in July as director of early childhood development policy.

Marian Wright Edelman, director of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), said, “CDF is excited to have Cathy Grace lead our efforts to advance a positive agenda to promote a long overdue early childhood development system to meet young children where they are, to support their healthy development and to ensure school readiness and successful school advancement.” CDF is a major advocacy organization with a policy portfolio that includes child welfare, health, poverty, and education, and juvenile justice.

To accept the temporary appointment at CDF in Washington, D.C., Grace will take a leave of absence from the university. She is the founding director of the MSU Early Childhood Institute and a professor in the MSU College of Education. Dr. Richard Blackbourn, dean of the college, commented, "Dr. Grace's appointment to the Children's Defense Fund is a significant accomplishment and recognition of her expertise in early childhood education. She is one of the most gifted individuals that I have had the pleasure of working with. While we will certainly miss her during her absence, the nation's children will benefit from her policy work at the national level.”

Gail Lindsey, Ed.D., and Esther M. Howard, Ed.D., will be interim co-directors of the institute during Grace’s absence. Lindsey is associate director for training, assessment, and Mississippi initiatives. Howard is associate director for administration and campus initiatives.

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