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May, Jill P., 1943-

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1943

Biographical Information

Jill P. May was born in Rocky Ford, Colorado to parents Floyd Powell and Glenda Florine “Flo” Riggs. She received her B.A. from Wisconsin State University in English in 1965, and a M.S.L.S from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in library science with an emphasis in children's literature in 1966. She is Professor Emerita in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University with a focus on language and literacy. While at Purdue, May conducted research on many children’s authors and illustrators and published scholarly articles for journals in the field. She was heavily involved in the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA) and other national associations, where she collaborated with others and formed lifelong relationships with colleagues also working within academia and children’s literature. May coedited a textbook titled Exploring Culturally Diverse Literature for Children and Adolescents: Learning to Listen in New Ways (2004) with friend and colleague, Darwin L. Henderson. Additionally, May and her husband, Robert E. May, coauthored two books, Howard Pyle: Imagining an American School of Art (2011) and Spearhead Environmental Change: the Legacy of Indiana Congressman Floyd J. Fithian (2022). The Purdue Publication, First Opinions, Second Reactions, was also co-edited by May. She has remained active in the field since retiring in 2011 with research interests in culturally diverse children's literature, Howard Pyle School of Art, and women artists (1870-1920).

Citation:
MSO 1, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program collection, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Jill P. May papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 555
Scope and Contents The Jill P. May papers document the life and career of Professor of Emerita of the College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Education, Jill P. May. The majority of the papers date from the mid-1970s to May’s retirement in 2011. The collection documents the private and professional life of May, particularly her professional activities during her tenure at Purdue University. Some personal papers include May’s early life and education, in addition to correspondence with family members...
Dates: 1923 - 2018; Majority of material found within mid-1970s - 2011