Ms. Patricia Martinez Meritt

Professor of Early Childhood Education, Emeritus

WHEREAS Ms. Patricia Martinez Meritt has served the University of Alaska Fairbanks with distinction in teaching, research and public service from 1986 to 2023; and

WHEREAS Ms. Meritt, who served as an adjunct for a decade before becoming a full-time faculty member, is a superb teacher and expert in her field; and her students consistently give her exceptional evaluations; and she received the 2019 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award; and she was an early leader in bringing courses online to serve students in all walks of life and in all locations, including other countries; and

WHEREAS Ms. Meritt co-authored two editions of the “Constructive Guidance and Discipline in Early Childhood Development” textbook; and she wrote “Child Development: A Practical Guide to the First Three Years;” and

WHEREAS Ms. Meritt motivated colleagues across the university to achieve national accreditation for the early childhood education program; and she developed the undergraduate degree in child development and family studies and many courses; and she routinely served on numerous university committees; and she has made dozens of presentations in myriad community venues;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the University of Alaska Fairbanks expresses its deep appreciation for Ms. Patricia Martinez Meritt’s extensive contributions to the state of Alaska and to the university; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Alaska Fairbanks, in further recognition of the invaluable services rendered by Ms. Meritt and as evidence of the university’s desire that her identification with the university be maintained, hereby salutes the recognition of Ms. Patricia Martinez Meritt as professor of early childhood education, emeritus; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be appropriately engrossed and signed by the chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks as further evidence of the esteem and respect in which he holds Ms. Patricia Martinez Meritt, and conveyed to Ms. Meritt on this sixth day of May, 2023.