Prior to coming to the Mount, Dr. Powell, was the president of Glenville State College (enrollment of 2,500) in Glenville, West Virginia. While at Glenville, Dr. Powell was credited with completing a major campus renovation program, revitalizing the college’s Foundation, developing its first annual fund program, increasing the college’s endowment, and initiating a program titled “A Renaissance of Shared Values” to focus attention on the key values of academic integrity.

From 1994-99, Dr. Powell was a professor of education and dean at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and a professor of special education and dean at Montana State University (1990-94).

He received his Bachelor of Science in Special Education (K-12) from Montana State University-Billings, Billings, Montana in 1976; his Masters of Science in Special Education from Montana State University-Billings, Billings, Montana, in 1979; and his Ed.D. in Special Education — from the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, in 1981. His academic concentrations included teacher education, family intervention, severe disabilities and educational technology. His research included social interaction between children with disabilities and their siblings.

Dr. Powell has written four books, notably, Brothers and Sisters: A Special Part of Exceptional Families. He has authored numerous book chapters and journal articles and has been an associate editor for many professional publications.

He is a frequent keynote speaker at professional conferences and has made keynote addresses and invited speeches in 46 states. Dr. Powell is the founding director of the University of Connecticut Program for Disabilities, and the founder of the Sibling Information Network.

Dr. Powell and his wife, Irene Quinn Powell, have three children: Nicholas, Thomas Henry and Cathleen.