Autism Center Names Interim Director

University officials announced May 1 an interim director for the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research in the College of Education.

Janice Magness, who has served since August 2007 as the program director of the Burkhart Center’s Collin Burkhart Transition Academy, will fill the position and provide ongoing service in the Transition Academy.

Sheryl Santos, dean of the College of Education, said she is confident that Magness will continue the successful legacy of the center.

“Under Janice’s dedicated leadership, the Burkhart Center will continue to be a shining star in our region, bringing much needed services, hope and optimism to students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, and to the professionals who serve them.”

A graduate of Texas Tech and a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of classroom experience, Magness spent the last 18 years of her public school career as a content mastery teacher with Lubbock Independent School District. During those years in special education, she worked primarily with autistic students.

The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research was established in 2005. The center provides services for individuals with ASD, their families and the professionals who work with them to improve their quality of life as well as a variety of resources in the areas of adult transitions, technical assistance in implementing evidence-based interventions for children and community outreach services.

The center also supports master’s and doctoral students with scholarships, fellowships and opportunities to work with individuals on the spectrum. Additionally, the center has infused the undergraduate teacher preparation program with specific instruction for intervening with children with ASD and hands-on field placements in both inclusionary and special education classrooms that include individuals on the spectrum.