Literacy advocate Carol St. George named the inaugural Sheila Konar Professor

The University of Rochester has appointed Carol Anne St. George ‘09W (EdD) as the inaugural Sheila Konar Professor. This milestone follows a generous gift from the William & Sheila Konar Foundation in 2022 to establish the Sheila Konar Professorship at the University’s Warner School of Education and Human Development, honoring the late Sheila Konar and her dedication to literacy.

The $1.5 million gift will forever support a Warner School faculty member focused on literacy learning, engaged in community-based instruction programs, and involved in partnerships that elevate reading and comprehension skills for marginalized students. 

A vision for literacy

A luminary in literacy education, St. George joined the Warner faculty in the Department of Teaching and Curriculum and became its literacy teacher education program director after receiving her EdD from the Warner School in 2009. 

As a veteran educator and recognized literacy expert, St. George has extensive experience working with students ranging from preschool to graduate school. For over a decade, she has directed Project READ, a long-standing, successful literacy intervention program working directly with students in the Rochester City School District (RCSD). In 2017, she started #Read4Luv, a social media campaign to spread the importance of reading aloud to children of all ages. St. George also helped launch ROC Reading Partners, an evening literacy program delivered four nights a week into students’ homes via Zoom.

St. George’s research examines how teachers can more effectively collaborate with families to support student literacy and how literacy can be used as a tool for preventing bullying. She is deeply committed to supporting literacy development from birth to promoting a love for books and reading for people of all ages. 

Significance of the professorship

The late Sheila Konar attended School 36 as a child and volunteered there for many years, helping students with their reading. She was devoted to helping provide resources for reading programs for children and supported literacy programs at School 36 and the Warner School. A fierce champion for children facing adversity, she partnered with St. George to launch Project READ to improve literacy outcomes for children in Rochester schools. 

Former Warner School Dean Sarah Peyre underscored the profound impact of St. George’s work and the significance of her role and commitment to literacy and education in continuing Sheila Konar’s legacy.

“Carol’s work exemplifies the spirit of Sheila’s — a vision where literacy education is a powerful equalizer, capable of transforming lives and communities,” Peyre said at the installation of St. George as the Sheila Konar Professor in July. “It is fitting that Carol is the inaugural holder of the Sheila Konar Professorship, as she embodies the very ideals that Sheila championed throughout her life.” 

Peyre also noted that what sets St. George apart is her admirable dedication to students facing the effects of poverty and other disadvantages. 

“Carol understands the daunting challenges these students face and has tirelessly worked to create inclusive and equitable learning environments and programs,” said Peyre. “Through her efforts, countless young minds have been given the tools and opportunities to succeed academically and personally, breaking down barriers and building brighter futures for all.”

St. George was awarded the 2022 Frederica Hollister Professional Educators Award from Delta Kappa International Society (New York Chapter) for her work in helping children strengthen their reading and writing skills — and ultimately improve their school success. 

Over the years, the Konar Foundation and family have graciously provided sustaining funding to Project READ, which launched in 2011 with a visionary gift from Sheila, to help maintain the impact of St. George’s work both on young RCSD students and Warner graduate students who are engaging with these young learners under St. George’s masterful mentorship. Most recently, the Konar Foundation made an additional $275,000 gift in 2022 to continue supporting the Project READ Fund, providing immediate support for the program and related literacy book pilot projects.

“The late Sheila Konar was a true visionary,” added Pere. “We are immensely grateful to her and the family foundation for their ongoing support here at the Warner School, at the Medical Center, and around the community, where her legacy continues.”

St. George shared that she is honored to have been appointed the Sheila Konar Professor. “Sheila and I shared the belief that literacy can play a crucial role in ending poverty,” she said. “Its importance in promoting academic success, supporting health, and enriching lives cannot be overstated.”

View photos from the June 11, 2024 installation.