DR. BETH RICKS is the holder of the Mary Ellen Walker Professorship in Early Childhood Education.

She is an assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Human Development.

Dr. Ricks earned a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy from Arizona State University in 2003, a Masters of Arts in English Literature from ULM in 1995 and a Bachelor of Arts in English and French Education from ULM in 1993.

From 2000-2003, she was an English teacher at Neville High School in Monroe and an adjunct instructor at ULM in 2000-2001. She also taught English for Maricopa County (AZ) Schools at Gateway Community High School in 1999-2000.

Dr. Ricks is currently involved in several professional and academic associations, including:

• International Reading Association
  
• National Council of Teachers of English
  
• American Educational Research Association

Published scholarly works include:

Ricks, B.J. (November, 2006) "Shall We Waltz, Disco, or Jitterbug?" Interpreting Romeo and Juliet through Film." Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English, Nashville, TN.

Ricks, B.J. (November, 2005). "The Glass Slipper Still Fits: New Ways to Use an Old Tale to Enhance Reaching Comprehension, Activate Schemata, and Introduce a Unit." Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English, Pittsburgh, PA.

Alvermann, D.E., Hagood, M.C., Heron, A., Young, J.P. & Ricks, B.J. (2002). "After-School Literacy Clubs: A Mix of Media, Books, and Desires." in R. Garner (ed) Hanging Out: Community-Based After School Programs for Children. (19-40). New York: Greenwood Press.

Young, J.P. & Ricks, B.J. (April, 2001). "I'm Not a Sexist, I Just Don't Want to Write with a Pink Pen!" Paper presented at the 46th Annual Convention of the International Reading Association, New Orleans.

Young, J.P. & Ricks, B.J. (December, 2000). "Flirting with Gender Identities." Round Table Paper Presentation at the annual meeting of the National Reading Conference, Scottsdale, AZ.

Young, J.P. & Ricks, B.J. (November, 2000). "Whoever said Barbie is for Girls?" Critical literacy and questioning practices of gender. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Council of Teachers of English, Milwaukee, WI.

Dr. Ricks other professional honors are ULM's Mortar Board Outstanding Professor in 2008, Kappa Delta Pi Outstanding Professor in 2005, and President, Alpha Upsilon Alpha, Honor Society of the International Reading Association, Arizona State University in 2000.

The Mary Ellen Walker Professorship in Early Childhood Education endowment was established to encourage and reward excellence in teaching, learning and research at ULM.