Biggs Honored with Alumni Award from Texas A&M

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Bobbie Biggs

Bobbie Biggs, a University of Arkansas professor of workforce development, was honored last fall as the recipient of an Outstanding Alumni award from Texas A&M, where she received a doctorate in vocational education.

The criteria for the Texas A&M award were a record of impressive accomplishments that indicate contributions at the state, national or international level; a reputation for being a person of integrity, honesty and character; and a record of contribution to society through leadership or scholarship.

Through exceptional contributions to their professions, the recipients have advanced the reputation of Texas A&M University and its College of Education and Human Development, according to the dean’s office in its announcement of the award winners.

Biggs’ postdoctoral career began as an assistant professor in home economics at the University of Oklahoma in Norman from 1976-1979, where she taught four courses per semester and worked with master’s students who were writing theses. In 1979, she moved to the University of Arkansas where she is a professor in the program of human resource and workforce development in the College of Education and Health Professions. Since then she has had 43 grant proposals awarded for more than $34 million. She no longer teaches but continues to work with doctoral students as she directs the latest grant award.

Under Biggs’ leadership, Early Care and Education Projects, which began in 1996 with 20 trainers, one course, one secretary and $60,000, has grown to include 378 trainers, 13 courses, seven professional and six support staff and an annual budget of $2.5 million through 2020. The mission of this project is to enhance the quality of care and education for young children throughout Arkansas by providing professional development for early educators.

Approximately 5,000 early educators graduate from these courses each year, and advanced courses have been embedded in the early childhood education curriculum at two-year institutions. Her research confirms that the training is making a positive impact in the classroom for children ages 3 to 5 years old.

Sean Mulvenon, director of research assessment and promotions in the office of research and economic development at the University of Arkansas, noted that in the past five years Biggs has been awarded nearly $8 million in external funding, which ranks her seventh overall at the university and second in the College of Education and Health Professions.

Biggs’ success in securing extramural funding and her academic accomplishments demonstrate the immense contribution that she has made to her institution and to the field of early education.

“Arkansas is a recognized leader in early childhood education,” she said. “I have been fortunate to be part of the growth and excellence that our state has achieved.”