An ISU professor known for her innovation in the classroom died recently due to complications from cancer.

Susan McBride, 52, associate professor of human development and family studies, passed away Nov. 7 from complications due to Non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

McBride spent most of her academic career working in early childhood special education programs, said Maurice MacDonald, professor and chairman of human development and family studies.

“Susan’s research consisted mainly of projects involving home visits for Early Head Start families in central Iowa,” he said.

McBride was known among her colleagues as an innovative teacher in her field.

“She often involved the parent of a disabled child in her classroom so students could experience hands-on training,” MacDonald said.

McBride has become nationally known for her research in special education and for being a part of implementing the Unified Degree Program, a teaching certificate which integrates teaching both young children and special education children.

“Students who choose this option are very sought-after in the field,” MacDonald said. “Iowa State was one of the first to offer that option to students, and Iowa is only one of three states with this program in the nation.”

McBride was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1015 Hyland Ave., where she met and formed a friendship with Karol Crosbie, communications specialist for the Alumni Association.

“I got to know Susan’s circle of friends by joining a book club she had started,” Crosbie said. “We spent more time eating than [talking about] books. She was a great gourmet cook who would create evenings, dinner parties, for people.”

McBride was not only active with children in her research and classes, but she also entertained children from her neighborhood in her home.

“She loved kids,” Crosbie said. “I remember once she had a witch party at Halloween, and all the little girls in the neighborhood dressed up with pointy hats and broomsticks to have a party at her house.”

Crosbie said McBride enjoyed spending time with children at work and at play. “She was somebody kids loved, and she loved them back,” Crosbie said.