Dr. Chipman Crowned 2021 Ms. Colorado Senior America

Crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America on April 21, Dr. Marilyn Chipman of Aurora became the first African American to hold the title in the pageant’s 27-year history.

In her 45-year career in education and educational sociology, Chipman has been a public school teacher, tenured university professor – at Metropolitan State University Denver and Tarleton State University in Texas – and administrator of U.S. Department of Education university grants. Her primary areas of focus include early childhood education, cultural socialization of young children, the impact of the educational experience on children and youth of color, serving refugee students and the impact of poverty on learning.

Widely published in educational journals, Chipman is the co-author of the textbook Educating Young Children in a Diverse Society. She is also creator of a variety of webinars and podcasts, and has presented at national and international conferences on cultural diversity. Her extensive work in education includes service on the advisory boards of Colorado Community College, Front Range Community College, Red Rocks Community College and Temple College. She has provided professional development, consultant services and training for schools, districts, state agencies and tribal education agencies within a multi-state region. Numerous honors include the 2017 Distinguished Educator of the Year award.

“To be a teacher is a high calling indeed,” is Chipman’s motto.

A pastor’s wife, mother of three and grandmother of nine, Chipman is an avid church worker, particularly following her recent retirement.

In addition to responsibilities within Colorado, Chipman will represent Colorado when she competes for the national title of Ms. Senior America in the virtual 2021 Ms. Senior America Pageant in August.

The Colorado pageant is sponsored by the Colorado Cameo Club, a 501(c )3 organization that performs at various venues throughout the Denver Metro Area. For more information about the pageant and how to become a contestant visit www.colosramerica.com.

_Carol Lynn Tiegs is an AARP volunteer and Colorado writer