Richard Anderson, professor emeritus in Educational Psychology and Psychology, was recently named to the Gallery of Scientists by the Federation of Associations in Behavior and Brain Sciences (FABBS).

The Gallery of Scientists recognizes eminent senior scientists who have made important and lasting contributions to the sciences of mind, brain, and behavior.

Professor Anderson is also director for the Center for the Study of Reading in the Bureau of Educational Research for the College of Education. He started as a faculty member at the College of Education in 1963 and at the Department of Psychology at the U of I in 1967.

In addition, Anderson is professor of psychology at Beijing Normal University and president of China Children’s Books.

He earned his Ed.D. degree in educational psychology in 1960 from Harvard University.

“I am humbled by this honor,” Anderson said. “It would not have been possible without my wonderful students and colleagues.”

According to FABBS’ profile of Anderson, he is “an internationally recognized scholar in the field of education. After receiving his doctoral degree in educational psychology from Harvard, he worked at Harvard, New York University, Rutgers, and New Jersey public schools before landing his permanent faculty position at the University of Illinois in 1963. He is founder of the Center for the Study of Reading and Director since its inception in 1976.”

Anderson’s book, Becoming a Nation of Readers, is one of the most widely read books of all time in the field of literacy. He has authored more than 200 books and articles on reading, comprehension, thinking, and education.

Dr. Anderson is listed as an honoree on the FABBS website.