Human Sciences dean receives lifetime achievement award

Billie J. Collier

Billie J. Collier, who has served as dean of Florida State’s College of Human Sciences since 2006 and has given a lifetime of service to the field of human sciences, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Board on Human Sciences at its annual awards breakfast Nov. 11.

Each year, the board — part of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities — honors a nationally recognized leader in the field who has a significant history of promoting and advancing it in higher education.

“I am humbled to receive this recognition from my Board on Human Sciences colleagues who are leading the human sciences nationally,” Collier said. “It has been my honor to serve the profession over many years and to see its success in improving the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.”

Collier, who is retiring Jan. 16, graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in music in 1966. From there, she found her way to the human sciences, earning a master’s degree in textiles and clothing in 1976 and a doctorate in interdisciplinary home economics in 1981, both from the University of Tennessee.

Throughout her career, Collier has written or contributed to numerous books, written nearly 50 journal articles, and participated in a multitude of conference proceedings. In addition, she has received five patents.

Her involvement in the field includes associations with the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, the International Textile and Apparel Association and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as leadership roles in the Council of Administrators of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Board on Human Sciences.

“We are now a more vibrant organization that is in a better place to advance and help continue the contributions we make to all humankind,” said Jorge Atiles, who nominated Collier for the award. “Dr. Collier’s vision, dedication and support of the human sciences nationwide will definitely be part of her legacy.”

College of Human Sciences Dean Emeritus Penny Ralston received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Board of Human Sciences in 2011.