M. Jean Greenlaw was born April 1, 1941 in St. Petersburg, Florida. She grew up in Pennsylvania and received a B.A. (1962) and M.A. (1965) from Stetson University; she earned her doctorate at Michigan State.
Jean, an expert in children's literature and reading, taught in public schools and was an active member of the University of North Texas faculty from 1978 until her retirement in 2005. In 1987-88, UNT awarded Jean the title of "Regents Professor," given to those who have performed outstanding research or teaching; today she holds the title of UNT Professor Emeritus of Teacher Education and Administration. Upon her retirement, UNT created the M. Jean Greenlaw Award in Literacy Education, making her the first recipient.
The International Reading Association chose Jean as the Arbuthnot Award winner in 1992, honoring her as an outstanding university teacher of children's and young adults' literature.
Jean is the author of a number of books about life in Texas, including Ranch Dressing: The Story of Western Wear (1993), and Welcome to the Stock Show (1997).
The Stetson University duPont-Ball Library is pleased to hold the M. Jean Greenlaw Collection of approximately 1,750 children's books in our Special Collections. Many of the books are first editions and almost all are signed by the author and/or illustrator. The collection was acquired in 2006 and is housed in the M. Jean Greenlaw Room on the ground floor of the duPont-Ball Library.