Colleagues and Friends Gather to Honor Professor Leslie Thornton

On October 23, 2013 a celebration was held to honor the career of Dr. Leslie James Thornton II. Earlier this year, Professor Thornton retired from the University of Michigan-Dearborn after more than 20 years of service. Numerous friends and family members, professional colleagues from inside and outside the university, and former students joined in recounting his contributions and accomplishments.

Les has deep educational roots in the state of Michigan. He earned his baccalaureate degree at Michigan State University, after which he obtained three graduate degrees on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus. He earned an MSW from the School of Social Work, concentrating in Administration and Social Policy, and a Master of Arts degree and a PhD in Education from the School of Education. Prior to his arrival at UM-Dearborn, Les served as a visiting professor of social work at Saginaw Valley State University.

Professor Thornton has a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding teacher and mentor. His engaging teaching style, often featuring creative use of simulations, has received high praise from students. In 1995 Les received the prestigious UM-Dearborn Distinguished Teaching Award. During his 21 years at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Professor Thornton’s focus and passion has been in the area of multicultural education. As the students and colleagues who spoke at the retirement event attested, his deep commitment to social justice infused all that he did and influenced those with whom he interacted. His insistence that students confront and try to understand how circumstances of social power and privilege—often invisible to the advantaged—can contribute to conditions of disadvantage confronting disempowered members of society left a lasting impression on numerous students who were lucky enough to attend his classes.

Along with his work teaching and advising students, Les was an active contributor to faculty governance and student activities on campus, and also to national and international academic professional organizations.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Education, Health, and Human Services is pleased to recognize Professor Leslie James Thornton II Moyer for more than 20 years of outstanding service as a member of the faculty; for his commitment to social justice and his contributions to the preparation and continuing education of Michigan’s teachers; and for his service and mentorship. Bravo and bon voyage!