Dr. George Robert Taylor

George Robert Taylor was the youngest son born to Colon Taylor Sr, and Elizabeth Jessup Taylor on February 2, 1933, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was born into a family of 8 children. George was an avid learner and pursued education with a passion. After receiving his high school diploma from E.E. Smith High School, he continued his education and received a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education from State Teachers College, now known as Fayetteville State University. George relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and continued his educational pursuits by receiving a Master’s and Double Doctoral Degrees in Special Education and Educational Psychology from Catholic University of America. Dr. George R. Taylor was a Professor and Chair Emeritus of Special Education at Coppin State University for more than 35 years and Core faculty at Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, Ohio. George was the first Coppin faculty member to receive the acclaimed USM Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents, a group appointed by the Governor to regulate policies, academics, and finances of the system, presented their highest honor to Dr. Taylor at a ceremony held at the University of Maryland. George’s knowledge and expertise in the areas of research and special education are both locally and nationally renowned. He made significant contributions in the area of research and social science through his publications that include 22 textbooks and 27professional articles. Additionally, George directed several large federal grants in special education and conducted numerous workshops in research and special education. Dr. Taylor was a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Alliance of Black School Educators (N.A.B.S.E), the MD Association for Higher Education and the MD Advisory Board for Special Education. George was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of education. 100 Black Men of America recognized Dr. Taylor as a visionary for improving the intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African American community. He was also a member of the International Society of Business Leaders and several other organizations and rotary. Dr. George R. Taylor died on August 14, 2023, in Baltimore, MD. He was preceded in death by siblings, Alvin, Louise, David, Edward, Frederick, Mary, Colon Jr., and Mildred. He leaves behind his loving wife Loretta Mac Kenney Taylor, four children - Deborah Taylor, Michael Herndon, Antionette Smalls (Harry) and Trina Green, three grandchildren, sister Juanita France, and a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Dr. Taylor was family oriented and went to great lengths to support them in their various endeavors. He enjoyed traveling, reading, writing, classical music, and his dog Casper. We look forward to that “Great Gettin’ Up Morning” when we shall meet all our loved ones again.

Tributes

Dr. George Robert Taylor

February 2, 1933 - August 14, 2023