Remembering the extraordinary life of Dr. Jane Perlmutter

When Dr. Jane Clarkson Perlmutter died on November 29, 2025, Western North Carolina lost a tireless advocate for children and families. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to nurturing young minds, strengthening communities, and advancing the idea that play and reading can change children’s lives. In recognition of her lifelong work, students at Western Carolina University are now leading a children’s book drive in her memory—an effort that reflects the heart of who she was.

A childhood shaped by curiosity and courage

Jane Barron Clarkson was born on July 15, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in Bluffton, SC. Surrounded by moss-draped oaks and tidal marshes, she developed an early independence and determination. By age 16, she had already begun her college career at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian College.

After two years, she transferred to the University of Georgia to study psychology. There she distinguished herself as one of the top five graduates in her class—deeply curious, driven, and especially interested in how children think and learn. Rather than choosing an easy or traditional path after graduation, she joined the Peace Corps at just 20 years old.

Peace Corps service and a life partner

Established in 1961, the Peace Corps is a U.S. government volunteer program dedicated to fostering global cooperation through education, health, agriculture, and youth development. (More information is available at peacecorps.gov.)

Jane was assigned to the Philippines, where she taught children and worked in community-based education initiatives. It was there she met fellow volunteer Dan Perlmutter. Their relationship grew not through leisure, but through shared purpose—working side by side to support communities and solve real-world problems.

Returning home to build a family and a calling

When their Peace Corps service ended, Jane and Dan continued their international adventures. They lived in Hong Kong, traveled throughout Southeast Asia—including Cambodia and Thailand—and crossed the China Sea by freighter to reach Japan. After living for some time in Japan, they boarded a train across Russia in 1969, a remarkable journey during the height of the Cold War. Their travels also took them through Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scotland, before a short period living in London.

The couple returned to the United States and settled back home in Savannah. They were married in the front yard of a family home in Florence, South Carolina. Jane soon began teaching kindergarten, welcomed her daughter Sarah, taught in first and second grade classrooms, and earned a master’s degree from Armstrong College.

In 1977, the family moved to Athens, Georgia, where Dan began doctoral studies in Ecology. During this time, Jane gave birth to their son Sam and pursued her own doctorate in Early Childhood Education at the University of Georgia, working under Dr. Anthony Pellegrini. Her doctoral work launched what would become her lifelong scholarly focus: understanding how play supports children’s learning and development.

Her master’s thesis explored gender roles in family life and carried the memorable title:

“Honey, if I’m Bringing Home the Bacon, Why Am I Frying It Up Too?”

WCU Faculty and Guardian ad Litem

Dr. Perlmutter’s influence lives on through the many teachers she educated, many of whom continue to use play-based, child-centered, and compassionate teaching practices she championed.

A lasting impact at Western Carolina University

After completing her doctorate, the family moved to Cullowhee, North Carolina, where Jane joined the faculty at Western Carolina University. She taught in both the Early Childhood Education (later called Birth–Kindergarten Education) program and the Elementary and Middle Grades Education program.

WCU’s Early Childhood Education program has long been one of the region’s most respected teacher preparation programs, educating hundreds of future teachers each year who go on to serve schools across Western North Carolina. She retired in 2012 as Professor Emeritus—but her service to children was far from over.

Advocating for children as a Guardian ad Litem

In retirement, Jane and Dan became Guardians ad Litem, court-appointed volunteers who represent the best interests of children involved in cases of abuse, neglect, or dependency. In North Carolina, the Guardian ad Litem Program operates through the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), ensuring that children in foster care have trained advocates to speak for them.

DCS serves thousands of children each year across the state, and Guardians ad Litem play a vital role in protecting children’s rights and wellbeing. (Those interested in volunteering can learn more at volunteerforgal.org.)

Honoring her love of books and young readers

While play was central to her research, books were at the heart of her personal joy. Dr. Perlmutter was a life-long avid reader, always curious and always searching for the next story. She believed that reading to children was one of the most powerful ways to nurture imagination, empathy, and growth. To her, books were not just stories—they were gateways to understanding and possibility.

Books may be dropped off anytime at City Lights Bookstore from January through April 25th, or purchased online at citylightsnc.com (please note at the time of the purchase that the book is for donation). All donated books will be delivered to DCS, where they will be given to children entering foster care.

A legacy that continues...

Dr. Jane Clarkson Perlmutter dedicated her life to children, families, students, and communities—locally and around the world. Her impact lives on through the educators she trained, the young people she supported, the volunteers she inspired, and now, through every book placed into the hands of a child in need.

Her story is proof that one life, lived with purpose and compassion, can touch generations.