Millennium Magazine_4th Ed

67 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine F ollowing in familial footsteps, Dr. Elizabeth S. Buchanan desired to be an educator from a young age, having initially been inspired by her oldest sister, whowas the principal of the First Baptist School in Charleston, South Carolina. After an enlightening trip to Canada at the age of 16, Dr. Buchanan decided to teach the French language. She received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Winthrop University in 1962, followed by a Master of Arts in French from the University of South Carolina in 1973. From there, she earned a PhD in applied linguistics from Georgetown University in 1984 and a Master of Education in administration and supervision from George Mason University in 1990. At the inception of her career in 1962, following the receipt of a bachelor’s degree, Dr. Buchanan taught at Charleston County Schools for six years before teaching at Wake County Schools for four years and Fairfax County Schools for 20 years, serving as a teacher of English as a second language (ESL). In 1998, she became assistant principal at Tabernacle Elementary, where her assignment also included teaching ESL. During this time, she was an instructor at Randolph Community College from 1999 to 2006, having thereafter served as a program director of ESL at Rutherford County Schools between 2006 and 2011. Dr. Buchanan is proudest of developing Friendship International, an all-inclusive club for immigrant students and allies, at South Lakes High School. In the first year of the club’s existence, turnout was slow. However, by the second year, Dr. Buchanan was able to give four presentations in one day in light of the significant audience of students, families and teachers. She is also proud of being an independent, resourceful woman who self- mentored throughout her career. As a testament to her success, Dr. Buchanan has received numerous accolades, most recently including two Distinguished Educator Awards from Randolph County Schools in 2001 and 2002. In 1996, she earned the Golden Eagle Award from Fairfax County Schools. Likewise, she has been a Fulbright scholar in Argentina, Mexico and Scotland in 1986, 1992 and 2003, respectively. ELIZABETH S. BUCHANAN, PHD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, LANGUAGE EDUCATOR Tabernacle Elementary School Asheboro, NC EDUCATION