Years ago I bought this mug for Betty after I heard Carrie Newcomer sing Betty’s Diner.  To me Newcomer’s song captured much of Betty’s personality – welcoming, challenging but supporting our dreams, encouraging each of us to be the best that we could be as faculty, students, neighbors, and community members.  Newcomer called these interactions like serving, “Bread and Wine,” nourishment for body and soul.  When I heard that Betty had died, I cried, because Betty’s diner was now closed.  But as I have attended the various memorial celebrations of Betty’s life, I have come to believe that Betty’s Diner is not closed – it’s just under new management.  We can all get up from our booths and chairs and move to Betty’s side of the counter – welcoming, caring for and encouraging our colleagues, students, neighbors, and strangers to aspire to something better, a more just, caring, and thoughtful world.  So let’s put on those aprons.



I was enrolled in an Ed Admin certificate program at the University of Utah when Betty suggested I join the doctoral program.  It was a requirement that one year be spent on campus full-time.  That year of being a real full-time student changed the way I thought, and the way I thought about myself. Even though I went back to public school administration and never pursued more research, Betty, her teaching colleagues (Rod Ogawa, Mike Murphy, and Jack Newell, principally) and my fellow students (Sue Geary, Mary Rhodes,  and Al Church, especially)  changed my life for the better.
Thank you, Betty.
Marilyn Copeland
1992 PhD in Ed Admin

Betty was an amazing mentor. I had the good fortune to be her student and later her graduate assistant for the research apprenticeship course. I learned so much from her about policy and qualitative research that I use to this day. As many others have mentioned, she also provided abundant feedback on my writing. I think of her often when I'm editing my own work or anyone else's, and she lives on in every sentence we revise to be in active voice. 

 Betty was an exceptional woman. Deepest sympathy to her family. 

I am so grateful to Betty for her guidance and support in my doctoral program and professional work, but most of all for her friendship. The least I could do was to help her learn to eat crabs, which we enjoyed doing at The Point on several occasions.  

Betty was a beautiful, positive soul, and a joy to work with. You were sure to receive a smile and witness light shining through when you encountered her, even in passing. She made positive impacts and will be missed. Thank you for sharing her with us. Offering prayers of comfort your family. 

Sincerely, 

Tranaé Johnson 

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Malen. She was an incredible professor who challenged her students, but also cared very much about them. My condolences go to her family and loved ones.

Dear Malen Family,
Betty had an indomitable and gracious spirit. Exactly two weeks before she passed, we spent the day together. After her medical appointment and lunch, we returned to her house and listened to the Morgan State University Choir's PBS concert. One of her favorite songs was "If I Can Help Somebody" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoaxwr5sx3g). She said it gave her comfort. I assured her that she had helped so many people and her life was a testament that one person can make a difference for many. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your family member--she was a special person and so many of us share your sorrow. We also share the joy of having known her.




Dear Malen Family,
I was an acquaintance of Betty's from Fargo Central High School.  I can't really call myself a "friend", but let's just say I was an admirer from a distance.  She and I were in Central's a cappella choir together, and I also had a passing acquaintance with her formidable debating skills as I attempted for a few short weeks in the fall of 1965 to participate in debate.  I didn't end up sticking with it, but that year Betty, as captain, and her "A Team" went on to state and regional championships which opened the door for a crack at national competition.  This must have been where she began to hone her skills as a critical thinker and writer.  I've read some of the comments about how she didn't mind opposition to her points of view...I would say debate taught her this.
I did have occasion to meet her once after high school when I attended a high school basketball game at Fargo North in which one of my younger brothers was playing.  He admired  Dr. Malen as North's assistant principal, and when he found out she had gone to Central, he asked me if I knew her.  I said I "knew" her from a distance and greatly admired her, so he briefly re-introduced us after the game.  She claimed to remember me.  I knew I remembered her.  One thing I still find remarkable about Betty and her family is this:  She and her older sister Kathy  lived together in an apartment in Fargo.  They came from a country school, and their father had sent them into Fargo to give them more opportunities during their high school years.  They both made the most of that experience by participating in a host of extracurricular activities.  Betty was even elected our school's "most representative senior girl" because of the number of her extracurricular participations.

Dear Betty,

Thank you.  Thank you for being, well, you.  Thank you for recruiting me to the University of Maryland and introducing me to wonderful life-long friends.  Thank you for being so kind and generous to my family, especially when Nick managed to swim through a school of jelly fish at your place on the Chesapeake.  The meat tenderizer and shower worked.  Because of who you are, you will always be a treasure to my children and my family.  Thank you for all the help and support you provided to me through the tenure process.  You were always my advocate and champion, just as you were an advocate and champion for so many others.  Thank you for your encouragement and active support of my scholarship; you eradicated the passive voice in everything I wrote (actually, in everything that you read that anyone wrote).  You helped me tighten my logic and arguments through our “mental racquetball” exchanges.  I miss them.  Thank you for being an inspiration in the classroom.  You will be forever admired by many of your students because you believed in them, believed they could accomplish so much more in their scholarship than they did, and consequently many achieved levels of excellence they never thought imaginable.  Thank you also for being an inspiration to your colleagues; I truly believe many of us became better teachers by the model that you presented in the classroom and your commitment to your students.  Thank you for your relentless pursuit of social justice and unflinching commitment to equity.  Your commitment was neither half-hearted nor superficial.  You challenged all of us to not only believe in the possibility of a more just educational system and world but to work harder to achieve them.  Thank you, well, for being you, Betty.  Our loss is the angels’ gain.  (I am anticipating some rewrites.)

As always, love, Bob (Bobby)


When I showed up to the University of Maryland, I really had no idea what I’d gotten myself into. I was a ‘school person’ who had somehow landed in the middle of a bunch of scholars and research-oriented graduate students. I felt completely overwhelmed and lost. One thing I consistently heard from other students was some version of: “don’t take Dr. Malen’s course unless you want to get a C.” I carefully followed this advice in my first year at Maryland but eventually, I found my way into your famed policy course. In very little time, you completely won me over and I did not care what grade I got - all I wanted to do was participate, learn, and believe in myself as much as you seemed to believe in me. 
Building on this initial experience (I did not get a C, by the way), I signed up for more of your courses and I was a frequent visitor to your office and even your home. I came to realize that you were also a ‘school person’ like me, but one who discovered the power of empirical work and the opportunity of higher education to create meaningful spaces for leaders to grow and develop as thinkers. You reframed scholarship for me, reframed ethics for me, and reframed what it meant to support others as a caring and brave person. 
Every semester I now repeat your mantra to my own students, saying, “the kindest thing you can do for a scholar is give them unvarnished feedback about their work.“  That’s just what you gave me and gave to so many of us along the way in your long career. Because of that candor and care, your legacy is rich and broadly spread. When I’m writing, thinking, or considering dilemmas–whether I like it or not–there is a little voice in my head pushing back and asking questions that sound a lot like you, Betty Malen. I am eternally grateful for your kindness and commitment to my success as a scholar and and a person. I know that I am just one of many others who have been fortunate enough to come under your influence. 
I miss you already!


Betty and I were on the debate team together at Fargo Central High School.  We lost touch over the years, but ten years ago discovered that we had become near neighbors when my wife and I moved to Alexandria, Virginia.  Old friends are the dearest friends.  We visited and talked by phone more often in the last six months.  We last talked at the end of January while she was enthusiastically en route to a University of Maryland basketball game.  What a gift to have my last conversation with Betty be so upbeat.

I participated in an educational leadership seminar at the University of Washington led by Dr. Malen as I completed my doctoral degree in the late 90s. Dr. Malen was an absolutely top-notch professor/leader; she gave no quarter to those who would cut corners, but proffered genuine, student-specific support and encouragement to those of us who were willing to demonstrate the same passion and dedication to the work as she did! Dr. Malen demonstrated the highest standards of the education profession; it would have been an absolute pleasure (and challenge) to have had the opportunity to teach alongside her!
--Steve Pearse, EdD 1997, UW


Betty was my friend/client.  Her and I got together every 4 weeks for the last  19 years. She was definitely a no-nonsense kinda gal! I just loved her. I loved her personality and her love for others. I would ask her if she would have any plans for the weekend and she would always say I am grading these papers.  She was very dedicated to her work and cared for all of her colleagues and students.  It was an honor and a privilege to know Betty for all these years, and to be able to do her hair for her and make her look fabulous! 
I offer my sincerest condolences to her friends and family, she will truly be missed by all! 
 Rest In Peace my Beautiful Friend!

Dr. Malen always pushed us to do it better, whatever we were working on with her. She gave us opportunities to participate actively in research projects. There was always one more rewrite...we will miss her.

Elspeth Payne
MEd 2008


Betty was a student of mine, also a debater at Central High School.  Though I was not aware of all her many achievements, I am not surprised.  Even in high school she was a sharp go-getter.  Good memories! She gave gifts to many.   

Betty and I worked together at Fargo North High School in Fargo, ND when she was the assistant principal and I was a teacher there.  We became good friends and shared many conversations and meals together.  I admired Betty for her intelligence and her warm relationships with students.  She was a no-nonsense disciplinarian and yet was able to relate to those students she was disciplining so that they knew she cared about them.  She also had a passion for the girls' sports that were gaining strength at that time and we enjoyed watching those together.   In 1980 the girls basketball team won state and gave her the basketball which was on display in her home when I last visited her.   Our recent conversations were not in person but by e-mail and I will greatly miss those.  Martha DiCicco

A picture of Dr. Malen, Jiehui, and Xiaoli, taken on Dec 31, 2022.


 Betty was in my class at Fargo Central and one of the brightest woman  I have ever encountered.  My sincere sympathy  to her friends and family. 
Mary  Tallman
Chicago 

I was a "mature" graduate student - earning my M.A. in Education Policy in 2000- and Betty Malen was my advisor in Education Policy.  
She was bright and witty and utterly dedicated to the profession and her students. I admired her greatly and was able to carry so much of her policy insight over into the School of Music where I work as the Associate Director for Administrative Affairs.  In fact, I quote her often.  Among my favorite Malenisms are:  "Open minded is not the same as empty headed"; " What evidence exists to support that opinion?" and my favorite......"Sometimes you just have to sit down, tie your a$$ to a chair and get the work done". :-)  We miss you Betty but you live on through the lives of countless educators!

I was never able to work closely with Betty personally, but my admiration for her and the legacy she has left are great indeed. I wish I'd had the chance to know her better. Sincere condolences to all of her family, colleagues, and friends at this sad time. Betty will truly be missed here at UM. 


Sadly I remember Betty Malen, a long time colleague and friend whom I met when she arrived in 1994 at the University of Maryland. Her reputation as a first rate thinker and scholar had preceded her. Even as a lowly new assistant professor, Betty made time for me – reviewing my papers, critiquing my drafts, challenging my ideas, and helping me succeed in the tenure process. She was dedicated to excellence, fearless yet generous in giving, always available for me and so many others. And Betty knew how to keep friendships as we can attest having left College Park in 1997 but staying in touch despite time and distance. On my last visit to DC in 2019, we shared crab cakes and laughed over her fondness for an abundance of lemons. Remembering our dear friend Betty, may I be as courageous, dedicated and open-hearted as she was to me. 
Aloha, Ernestine 

It was such an honor and a joy to know Dr. Malen. She was the perfect combination of no nonsense & generous support. Betty believed in me, my classmates and our work. She took valuable time to share her craft and those who took her classes at UMD are better for it. I will never forget reading over the comments Betty left on my dissertation. Over 300 pages were marked up with helpful and important edits. She read every single word of my work and took the time to make it better. What a wonderful act of love!  She believed in me, she encouraged me, she supported me, she trusted me and she helped me believe and trust in myself. Thank you, Betty. You were a gem, a joy, a brilliant scholar and a wonderful woman. 

Betty was an amazing human being and a great scholar that I had the privilege to be in her last course, even for a short period of time when she had to leave our class abruptly.  I told her then and I am saying it here now too that even though we only had four or five sessions with her,  that was enough to get to know her as a great resource full of knowledge but also humanity, whom all of us truly looked forward to meeting every Monday. I even wrote that in my gratitude journal then! 

May her beautiful soul rest in peace.  


Betty was one of my doctoral professors at UMD who helped me frame my dissertation methodology and who also wrote my last comprehensive exam question. One of the characteristics I respect and appreciate about Betty was how she met her students where they were.  For instance, as we were preparing for the comp (early 2000's), the College of Ed still required students to take the exams (three hours and six hours respectively) in a computer lab without benefit of books, notes, or any reference material. I challenged the practicality of taking a comprehensive exam in this manner, and she agreed.  She understood how antiquated the practice had become, and she permitted me to complete the exam at home (within a week).  She invited me to help her think through the question and how it aligned with not only my research but also my professional aspirations. Once created, she was extremely clear about her expectations for my work. Message received! I passed the exam and would like to think that this experience was the catalyst she 
espoused (along with other faculty) for UMD to change its comprehensive exam protocol. I am grateful I had the opportunity to study under her and collaborate with her, as it added great value to my journey and my PhD. Rest well, Betty.


Dr. Malen was the perfect professor for me at the exact time I needed to meet her.  Equal parts challenging and supportive. Straight shooter who gave praise when earned and a kick in the butt when called for. Our shared professional experience allowed an instant connection and I will be forever grateful for her guidance and support.

To all those who loved Betty

Betty was one of my best teachers. She took my writing seriously and taught me to take it seriously as well. She stayed with you until you both knew you had done your very best. I watched her mentor so many students and colleagues earnestly, with the highest expectations and commitment. I am grateful to have entered Betty's orbit and then learned ways from her to pay it forward.

I first met Betty in 1976 when I arrived in Fargo to be the principal at Agassiz Jr. High. Three years later, I went to South High just as Betty was leaving to go to North High as their Asst. Principal. During that time period we worked together on several committees. We were colleagues, but more importantly friends. Over the years that Betty went to the world of higher education we always stayed in touch. When she returned to Fargo to visit we had many hours of great conversation. Betty cared about her students at all levels of education that she was involved in. I will miss our conversations but will know that she is at peace now. To Betty's family and friends my thoughts and prayers are with you and for Betty. Rest my good friend. Dick Warner

My deepest condolences to the Malen family. Betty was my dissertation chair and taught me much of what I know about quality, graduate level writing. She also modeled how to deeply care for students and frequently hosted me in her home and treated me to hours of mentoring and thoughtful advising. I took several classes with her and credit her for the thoughtfulness with which I approach feedback and building a community of care in the classroom. She will be missed.

Dr. Betty Malen was one of my graduate professors at UMDCP in the late ‘90s. She inspired me to think deeply and  critically and to pursue my dreams with patience and persistence. 
May God rest her soul!

Dr. Linda  M. Campbell, 
UMDCP , MA 2003
The George Washington University, EdD, 2015

I will always remember Betty for the effort and care she put into her teaching, especially her careful feedback on writing. Her case study methods class was without question one of the best I took. She  made me a sharper thinker and writer, but always did so in a way that made me feel I could do it. Her ethic as an educator was an inspiration to me and so many other students I know - with her, it was always high expectations, high support. My sincerest condolences to the Malen family, she touched the lives of so many. 

One of my favorite memories was sitting by the bay with Betty. She’d invite me down and we’d have a snack or meal and talk through the many topics of research interests or mentoring. She listened without judgment and waited to give her advice. I loved these moments of her seriousness, blunt honesty, and caring advice, and in the past few months really felt like it was sacred time. I know others felt her support and mentorship and I echo that here. She truly was someone who made you feel special and empowered - and knowing that she did that for so many is such a blessing. My heart aches for those who were touched by her. And we will carry on your legacy -in our sorrow and not as well as you- by showing up for each other and our students. Here’s a picture from my last visit - it was too cold to sit outside but we still enjoyed the view. Love you always, Betty. 

Betty was a wonderful soul and a great scholar, a great loss to our community

Betty was a mentor to me and to so many other faculty members nation wide. She was especially a role model for women in the field of politics of education and a great supporter for change and equity for women. I also drew heavily on her scholastic work on intergroup dynamics in educational change and found her scholarship to be theoretically brilliant while also clear enough that it was useful and valued by practitioners. I will miss her and do my best to carry on her memory in how I mentor and show up for students and junior faculty.

Betty was my dissertation co-chair and she made me a better scholar. She accepted nothing less than excellence, but her standards came from deep care for me, and for her students. I will never forget her impact on my life. Rest well, Betty-- I know you will be writing some stellar case studies in the hereafter!

Dr. Malen facilitated the most rigorous course I encountered in my graduate studies. She challenged us weekly with insightful research and discussion that stretched us intellectually. The paper produced at the end of our class is the piece of writing I may be proudest of when I reflect on all the writing I've done to this point. She also treated us like humans. When the pandemic hit full force and classmates fled campus she did everything she could to hold us to a high standard while respecting that we were all collectively in crisis. She had passions (women's basketball) and needs and she shared them with us. I know she will be missed and I feel lucky to have learned from her. 

Dear Dr. Malen, 
Thanks for pushing me in your courses and for inviting us to your house for the end-of-semester celebrations. You challenged me to think in different ways. You will be sincerely missed. 

Best,
Nicole Coomber

Betty, I am glad I took this photo when I visited you last December. We talked for a good three hours and you still had great energy. You asked me to send you my third-year review statement and said you are always available to give me comments. When I told you my request for a photo together, you went to the bathroom and made sure you look great. I didn't know that was the last time I saw you, and I wish I had spent more time with you during the past two months. I will forever remember all the precious moments we have spent together. You were such a great mentor, colleague, and friend! I miss you, Betty.

Jing

Professor Betty Malen was one of the few professors I've had that not only welcomed critique but truly enjoyed it. She pushed me as an academic to think more rigorously and through that challenge, made me more confident in myself as a scholar. It is not an easy thing to make you feel more confident and more intelligent in debate, but she did. She will be truly missed.

Betty Mallen will continue to be a light in this world through the way she touched the lives of her students. I was a student in her last class session when she abruptly left us. She shared her passion with us until the last minute, and I feel privileged to have had her presence, even if for a short brief time. Thank you, Betty for giving so much to us at UMD.

Betty was my advisor in my doc program all the way until her retirement just a few months ago. Despite the forty year age gap between us, we had a lot in common. We're both Midwesterners with the same sensibilities and outlook on life, and we both worked as school leaders when we started our graduate studies. I don't have family in the DC area, but Betty became my family over time, not just while I was in her classes but through checking in by calling me or emailing me to see how things were going, and opening her home to me, my wife, and my kids to work or to sit out and watch the water. While I've been lucky enough to have extraordinary professors, Betty's light was unique and shaped my doctoral experience. She told me it wasn't the classes I took, but it was who taught the classes that mattered, and she was right. She understood the importance of PhD programs remaining accessible to students that worked during the day and whatever she did behind the scenes to make it work made it possible for me to get where I am in the program.

I'm in my candidacy now and working diligently on my dissertation. I know that even though Betty's gone from the mortal plane, she's always going to be with me. I'll hear her tell me to stop writing in passive voice and to remember to explain "so what?" to my arguments. I'll never forget that "worth of work" and "worth of person" are different, and I'll always remember the kindness she showed even as she eviscerated my work that wasn't up to her extraordinary standards.

Thank you, Betty. I hope we meet again.

Betty was a professor of mine as part of my doctoral program. I took a research apprenticeship course she led which lasted a year, and I spent quite a bit of time in her home working on the final report with her. I had done a bit of research before grad school, but she was definitely intimidating and also a great teacher. I took that course because I wanted to learn how to analyze data better and over 10 years later, I still hear when I do research....asking what are the lines of evidence to make a claim. I'm not sure I'm expressing how important this teaching has been to me as a researcher. It's the foundation for all I do.

I also remember staying late at her house writing and realizing the time, she offered me some food and it was just a real kindness on her part. There are many tidbits of wisdom I received from her too much to share here, but we've all just lost a very talented professor and critical thinker. 

Betty was a considerate and caring aunt.  She had a great way of blending logic and emotion, when giving advice or guidance. 

Her positive nature was a bright light in the family, and I treasure the times we had together. 

I know she is cheering from heaven for anyone needing a boost. 

Rest In Peace Betty.  I am glad you were in my life. 

OBITUARY

Betty Malen

July 6, 1946 – February 23, 2023

John M. Taylor Funeral Home

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