Dafoe, Don M.

Dafoe, Don M.

A 1937 graduate of Valley City State Teachers College, Don M. Dafoe earned a B.A. degree with a major in English and minors in Physics and History. During his undergraduate years, Don was a varsity basketball player; was active in Dramatics Club, the Debate Club, and the EBC Fraternity; and was selected a Viking Pilot. After graduation he accepted his first teaching position in Idaho where he coached basketball and taught English. He moved to Alaska in 1951 serving as an assistant superintendent for ten years and as superintendent for another five. In the intervening years, Dr. Dafoe earned his M.A. in education from the University of Idaho (1948) and his Ed. D. From Stanford (1961). He also served as Commissioner of Education, Territory of Alaska, and as Head Consultant for the U.S. Office of Education State School Systems. Dr. Dafoe served as Dean of Anchorage Community College and as Provost of the South central Regional Center, University of Alaska, before becoming Professor of Education at the University of Alaska-a position he held until his retirement from teaching in 1976. Emeritus status as Executive Vice President and Professor of Education, University of Alaska, was conferred upon him in May, 1976. Throughout his distinguished career, Don Dafoe's capabilities and achievements have been widely recognized. He was named Honorary Vice President of the National Education Association in 1953, was selected Alaska Hall of Fame Member in 1962, was named Executive Secretary of the Association of Alaska School Boards in 1966, was awarded the United States Office of Education Distinguished Service to American Education Award in 1971, and was honored by Alaska State Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 95, April, 1976. Presently, Dr. Dafoe is owner and manager of Dafoe associates Management Advisory and Contract Services. He and his wife, Lois, reside in Willow, Alaska. The Dafoes have one daughter Judy (Mrs. William) Hopkins, living in Anchorage, Alaska.