Dr. James "Larry" L. McBiles, 54, passed away on March 6, 2011. Larry led the Center for Teacher Success as President and Chief Education Officer. His contributions to the field of education, both before and during his years with the Center, were extensive. As a veteran Arizona educator, Larry spent much of his professional time and energy studying what research and conventional wisdom had to say about teaching, learning and what it means to "understand." He held a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from ASU. His career included teaching at elementary, middle, secondary and university levels. Larry transitioned from teacher to district administrator to the position of Deputy Associate Superintendent of the Arizona Department of Education. Following his keen interest in science, Larry next took on the role of Director of Education with the Arizona Mining Association where he received the 2005 Medal of Merit by the American Mining Hall of Fame. He worked with NAU's Center for Excellence in Education and has served on the faculty of ASU's College of Education. Larry is survived by his parents and two brothers.