Jere Brophy, University Distinguished Professor of teacher education and educational psychology, died Oct. 15 at his home in Okemos.
Brophy was an internationally renowned scholar whose writing informed researchers, policymakers and practitioners alike, said Carole Ames, dean of the College of Education.
“There are no words to express the loss of this intellectual giant to the field of education, but more importantly, we have lost an esteemed colleague, a cherished friend and generous mentor,” Ames said.
Brophy came to Michigan State University in 1976 after receiving his Ph.D. in clinical psychology and human development from the University of Chicago and serving on the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin.
He came to MSU as a professor and senior researcher in the Institute for Research on Teaching. From 1981 to 1994, he served as co-director of the institute.
Brophy’s honors and awards are among the most prized in the fields of education and psychology. He received the 2007 E.L. Thorndike Award from Division 15 of the American Psychological Association. The award, signifying a career of distinguished contributions to knowledge, theory and practice in educational psychology, was very special to Brophy because, as he said, "The recognition comes from one's peers."
Brophy was elected as Fellow in the American Psychological Association, the International Academy of Education, the American Psychological Society and the American Educational Research Association.
He was elected to the National Academy of Education and was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Liege, Belgium, in 2004. He also received the Award for Exemplary Research in Social Studies from the National Council on Social Studies.
Brophy was a prolific author, having written over 300 articles, chapters and books. He also served on editorial boards for many of the most prestigious journals in the field of education.
Brophy is survived by his wife of 46 years, Arlene; daughter, Cheri (Mark) Speier of Okemos; son, Joe (Missy) Brophy of Rockford; four grandchildren, Mar and Chris Speier and Jered and Carmen Brophy; brother Tom Brophy of Villa Park, Ill.; and sister, Kathy Brophy of Lombard, Ill.