ASU remembers
Joan Wilson
Distinguished Visiting Professor - 1991
July 24, 2013
Joan Wilson, 83, passed away July 24, 2013. She was a professor at Cal State L.A. from 1981 to 1992, and served as acting associate dean of graduate studies and research from 1985 to 1987. At the time of her death, she was working at Pacific States University in Los Angeles, where she held the position of executive vice president since 1993. Joan received her B.A. in history from Barnard College and her M.A. in social studies with honors at Teachers College, Columbia University. In the 1960s, she began her California teaching career in the Fullerton Union High School District as chair of the Social Science Department at Sunny Hills High School and assistant principal at Sonora High School in La Habra. In 1972, she became principal of Santa Ana High School and, in 1974, became assistant superintendent of education services to the Jurupa Unified School District in Rubidoux. In 1978, she accepted the position of superintendent of schools for the South Pasadena Unified School District. She completed her Ed.D. in educational administration at UCLA with great distinction. As executive vice president, she led Pacific States University in obtaining accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Joan received honors and awards, both local and international, from a number of entities including ASU where she was a Distinguished Visiting Professor in 1991. Her late husband, Dr. Charles Wilson, who passed away in 1977, was chancellor of the North Orange County Community College District in Fullerton. Joan is survived by two sisters, three stepchildren and seven nieces and nephews. A memorial was held at the Atheneum at Caltech on September 21, 2013. (Source: Arizona State University Tributes: Notable Deaths & Obituaries)