Type Of Business:
1) College 2) Church
Marketing Area:
1) Regional 2) Local
Expertise:
Learning disabilities; College-level program development; Brain research; Christian education
Major Product/SVS:
1) Higher Education 2) Religious Services
Hobbies/Sports:
Traveling; Participating in church and community related activities; Playing cards
Education Degrees:
Honorary Doctorate in Human Services (1998); Master's Degree in Education and Christian Education, Northwestern University (1958)
Affiliations Awards:
Director of Christian Education, United Methodist Church; American Association of University Women; Learning Disability Association; Delta Kappa Gamma; Developmental Educators; Christian Educators Fellowship; United Methodist Association of Scholars in Christian Education; Orton Society; International Reading Association
Charity:
West Virginia Annual Conference for the First Methodist Church; Board Member, Upshur County Parish Community Center
Number Of Years In Profession:
56
Number Of Years In Current Position:
47
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to hard work, family and religious beliefs.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession after graduating from West Virgina Wesleyan College.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. Coston was a pioneer in educational services for those with learning difficulties. In 1963, she founded the West Virgina Wesleyan Learning Center to help students who were having problems with study skills, and in 1982, she developed one of the first programs to help students with learning difficulties, in particular dyslexia. Previously, she taught courses in Christian education, education and study skills.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Writing a book with the projected title, "Celebration of Success;" Performing administrative duties; Counseling; Providing individual help with a focus on dyslexic students; Preparing and presenting programs; Teaching
Awards/Honors:
First Ordained Decan to Receive the Garrett Evangelical Seminary Alumni of the Year Award (2011); Francis Asbury Award for Fostering United Methodist Ministries in Higher Education (2010); Who's Who Among America's Teachers (2005); The Athena Award for Accomplishments by Women, The Buckhannon Chamber of Commerce (2002); Exemplary Teaching Award, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church (1998); Distinguished Educators Award of West Virginia (1996); West Virginia Educator of the Year Award, West Virginia Association for Developmental Education (1993)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Coston intends to publish a book based on the stories of students who were told that, due to learning difficulties, they would never succeed in college. She would also like to continue traveling with her husband and preach.