Top national experts in creativity to speak at E. Paul Torrance Lecture on March 8

Robert Alan Black, a creativity consultant and author, and Mark Runco, editor of the Creativity Research Journal, will speak at the 2006 E. Paul Torrance Lecture on Wednesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m., in Masters Hall at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

Black, a UGA alumnus who studied under the late distinguished College of Education professor emeritus, E. Paul Torrance, describes himself as a creative thinking consultant, creative thinking trainer, creative workplace consultant and professional speaker. At 5:30 p.m., Black will discuss his three decades of work in creativity around the world in “From Shadow of a Gentle Giant Emerged a Life Mission.”

After a short intermission, Runco, a 2000 winner of the E. Paul Torrance Creativity Award and editor of numerous books and articles, will discuss recognizing and encouraging creative talent in a lecture titled, “Divergent Thinking and Creative Potential,” at 7 p.m.

The lectures are open to all UGA faculty, students and the general public. A reception and book signing will be held immediately following the lectures. If interested in attending, please RSVP by sending an email to creative@uga.edu or calling 706/542-5104.

The E. Paul Torrance Lecture Series annually brings scholars to UGA to discuss research and issues concerned with creativity. It was established in 1985 in honor of Torrance, a native Georgian and a pioneer in research on the identification and development of creative potential. He is most noted for the development of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, which today are used worldwide.

The lecture is sponsored by The Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development, which was established in 1984 by the late UGA professor of educational psychology Mary Frasier to continue the tradition of scholarship and excellence exemplified in Torrance's work.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Writer: Angela Hains, 706/542-5889, ahains@uga.edu
Contact: Bonnie Cramond, 706/542-5104, bcramond@uga.edu