McKay School of Education > News > Beverly Cutler
Beverly Cutler
Beverly was raised in Salt Lake City, graduated from the University of Utah in elementary education, and taught school. Soon after she and her family moved to the East Coast, her husband died unexpectedly. As a young widow, she returned to Utah with her five children, obtained a master’s degree at BYU and then earned a PhD from Stanford in child development.
Passionate about teaching, Cutler joined the faculty at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, setting up the early childhood education program. In addition to teaching, she started a journal for early childhood education and established a readiness center nursery.
In 1969, Beverly joined the faculty at BYU. For the next 26 years she was an active member of the university community. While teaching, she also served on countless university and state committees, and continued activity in professional organizations related to early childhood education and teacher education. She was named associate dean in the College of Education, becoming the first woman faculty member to hold a major administrative assignment in the College. She directed the first student teaching cohort in China, and returned to China in 2000 to teach in Xiam. In her various roles at BYU, she represented the strengths and capabilities of women educators. In addition, she gained international recognition as a scholar and researcher in the field of early childhood education.
When Beverly Cutler retired in 1995, Robert Patterson, then Dean of the School of Education, said, “This woman is legendary for her goodness, virtue, generosity and total inability to think or act in any negative, disparaging or unkind way. She is uncompromisingly consistent in her dedication to serve and benefit others.”
Beverly served missions for the Church in Spain, Romania, and Vietnam. In each country she shared her skills and knowledge to improve education, child care, and family life. She has spent her life serving others. Beverly is grateful for all the wonderful opportunities she has had and feels there is much more to do. One of her greatest joys has been getting to know so many remarkable young people throughout her career. Currently she enjoys working on family history and serving in the Provo and Salt Lake temples.
11 September 2009