In Memoriam: Dr. David B. Yaden Jr.

Professor of Language, Reading, and Culture
University of Arizona College of Education

With deep sadness, the University of Arizona College of Education shares the passing of Dr. David B. Yaden Jr. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. A beloved colleague, dedicated educator, and pioneering scholar, Dr. Yaden’s legacy will live on in the generations of students, educators, and researchers he mentored and inspired.

Dr. Yaden earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma and began a distinguished academic career that included faculty appointments at Emory University, the University of Houston, and the University of Southern California. In 2005, he joined the University of Arizona College of Education as a Professor of Language, Reading, and Culture—a position he held with distinction for two decades.

Throughout his tenure at the university, Dr. Yaden was a committed teacher, prolific researcher, and active contributor to the life of the college. He served on numerous committees and task forces and was a consistent advocate for early childhood education. His leadership helped shape key initiatives, including the proposal for an Early Childhood Development Center and the development of a cross-university master’s program.

His research centered on early childhood literacy, biliteracy acquisition, family literacy, and reading disabilities. As a principal investigator for the Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA), Dr. Yaden led the implementation of an early literacy curriculum for Spanish-speaking preschoolers in Los Angeles. More recently, he directed a statewide consortium evaluating Arizona’s early childhood initiative, First Things First.

Dr. Yaden’s scholarly rigor was matched by his intellectual depth. As Dr. Ronald W. Marx, Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, recalled, “David was a wonderful colleague and a tough-minded, yet compassionate academic. Our joint work over the years in early childhood research gave me the opportunity to peer into his deep understanding of children’s language and literacy development. His command of the research literature was impressive, and his deep consideration of theory enabled him to put together ideas that others often missed. I don’t know if many people read state early childhood reports, but David read them all and digested their importance with impressive virtuosity.”

At the University of Arizona, Dr. Yaden served as Co-Director of the Research Group on Child Development, Research and Policy, and Director of the Eye-Movement Miscue Analysis Laboratory. He also played a vital role in preserving and advancing the legacy of Ken and Yetta Goodman, managing the Goodman Archive housed in the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections.

A champion of mentorship, Dr. Yaden worked closely with graduate students, encouraging their participation in high-impact research and co-authoring numerous publications and presentations. “Collaborating with David Yaden on the intersections of Vygotsky and Piaget was an intellectually enriching experience for me and my colleagues,” said Dr. Iliana Reyes. “David brought a rare blend of deep theoretical insight and a passion for mentoring graduate students, guiding them to explore the enduring relevance of these foundational thinkers. His unwavering commitment to research and education inspired both his peers and the next generation of scholars.”

Dr. Yaden’s national leadership and scholarly excellence were widely recognized. He served as President of the Literacy Research Association and co-edited the Journal of Literacy Research. In 2022, he was named the Jewell M. Lewis Distinguished Professor in Literacy, an honor reflecting his deep and lasting contributions to literacy education.

His publications include foundational reviews in leading academic handbooks, addressing topics such as emergent literacy, family literacy, bilingualism, and research methodologies in early childhood education. His scholarship consistently centered on improving literacy outcomes for children from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Though not everyone worked with him closely, his presence and reputation left an impact. “I did not have the opportunity to be very close to David,” shared Dr. Regina Deil-Amen, Interim Dean of the College of Education, “but I remember him as a smart, gentle, and kind man with a very sophisticated mind. His legacy and his intellectual leadership will be honored and remembered in our college.”

Dr. Yaden’s passing is a profound loss for our college and the broader educational community. His work transformed how we understand literacy development, and his generous spirit touched all who knew him.

Beginning the week of April 28, an altar will be constructed in memory of Dr. David Yaden in the College of Education’s Worlds of Words Center. We invite former students, colleagues, family, and friends to contribute items of remembrance—such as photographs, written messages, or meaningful objects—to honor his life and legacy. This collective space will serve as a tribute to Dr. Yaden’s enduring impact on our community and the many lives he touched.

Dr. Yaden’s family has created an online tribute page in his honor: Desert Rose Tribute Page: David Yaden Jr. For those who wish to share memories or condolences privately, his wife, Camille, welcomes messages.