Two former educators are the newest inductees into the University of Kentucky School of Human Environmental Sciences Hall of Fame.

Joyce Crupper Clifford and Helen Anderson Shaw will be honored for their years of dedication to the betterment of their professions, local communities and the school during a recognition ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the Hilary J. Boone Center on UK’s campus.

"This year we honor Dr. Helen Shaw and Joyce Clifford. Both have made significant contributions within the field of education—Dr. Shaw within higher education and Ms. Clifford in secondary education," said Ann Vail, director of the school, which is part of the UK College of Agriculture. "They are examples of the breadth of impact someone in our field can have. They are inspiring role models for our students and alumni."

Clifford, an Owen County native, received her bachelor’s in vocational home economics education from UK in 1959.

In 1967, she began teaching home economics at Harrison County High School. She also served as department chairperson for the high school’s vocational programs.

Clifford earned her master’s degree from UK in 1974. In 1977, she became the assistant principal of the high school and completed a Rank I Secondary Principal and Supervision certification from UK in 1978.

She became the high school principal in 1989 and retired from that position in 1994.

In addition to being a high school administrator, Clifford has been a strong advocate for 4-H and Cooperative Extension for more than 50 years, serving on county, area and state boards. She also has served in 4-H leadership positions at the regional and national levels. She helped organize the first Kentucky Leader Forum and was instrumental in the development of the Lake Cumberland 4-H Educational Center at Jabez.

Shaw, a Lexington native, received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from UK in 1958. She received her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1965 and 1969, respectively.

While pursuing her degrees, Shaw conducted research on histidine, an amino acid in humans. This research was the first indication that histidine might be an indispensable amino acid in humans.

In 1969, she joined the faculty at the University of Missouri. Her research there verified that histidine is vital for red blood cell formation. Her additional research at Missouri helped scientists understand the relationship between zinc and copper intakes in humans.

In addition to her research, Shaw served as associate dean for research and graduate studies in Missouri’s School of Human Environmental Sciences and assistant director for Human Environmental Sciences Research in the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. 

In 1989, Shaw became department chairperson in University of North Carolina-Greensboro’s School of Human Environmental Sciences and a researcher in North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station.

 She became dean of the school and assistant director for Human Environmental Sciences Research in the experiment station in 1994.

She retired from UNC-Greensboro in 2000 and now is an aspiring watercolor artist with paintings on exhibit at art galleries in North Carolina and Virginia.