Bodur leads elementary and special education at Georgia Southern

August 7, 2019

As of July 1, Yasar Bodur, Ph.D., began service to the College of Education as interim chair of the Department of Elementary and Special Education at Georgia Southern University.

Bodur has served as a faculty member in the College for 13 years, earning tenure in 2011. He served as program director for Ed.S. in Elementary Education as well as the faculty assessment coordinator for the College. Bodur has chaired over 35 Ed.S. and Ed.D. committees for thesis and dissertation work.

Bodur was recognized for his excellence in scholarship, service and teaching with the College’s Jack Miller Educator of the Year Award in 2012. He also received the Georgia Southern University Award for Excellence in Service in 2013.

“Dr. Bodur is an exemplary member of our team in the College of Education, and I feel confident in his abilities to unite and lead the Department of Elementary and Special Education,” said Heaston. “His strong record of service, scholarship and teaching not only during his career at Georgia Southern, but in his over 25 years of experience as an educator as both an elementary classroom teacher and a professor in the University setting provide Dr. Bodur with a strong background and understanding to lead the Department.”

Bodur was appointed after former department chair John Hobe, Ed.D., returned to rejoin faculty. Hobe served as a professor of elementary and special education at Armstrong State University from 1991 until the consolidation, when he was named chair of the newly formed Department of Elementary and Special Education.

“I want to recognize John and the work that he has done in leading the Department of Elementary and Special Education,” said Heaston. “I thank him for his commitment and service to the College and for taking on a leadership responsibility in the Department during a time of transition and change for the University.”