1936
Dr. Oden is born in Chicago, Illinois to Dillard James and Lena Phifer.
1958
Dr. Oden receives a Bachelor of Education from the Chicago Teachers College and becomes an elementary school teacher in Chicago.
1959
Dr. Oden marries James Edward Oden.
1973
Dr. Oden receives a Master of Education in learning disabilities from Chicago State University and becomes an elementary school learning disabilities teacher.
1978
Dr. Oden receives a Certificate of Merit from the Chicago Southside Branch of the NAACP.
1981
Dr. Oden becomes an independent education program facilitator and serves as a special education consultant for the Chicago Board of Education.
1982
Dr. Oden serves as a learning disability specialist and is appointed co-chair of Phillips Academy High School.
1984
Dr. Oden receives the Citizenship Award from the Mayor of Chicago.
1986
Dr. Oden studies postgraduate coursework at the National College of Education of National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois.
1987
Dr. Oden becomes certified in advance studies through the National College of Education.
1987
Dr. Oden serves as a learning disability specialist and is appoint co-chair of Englewood High School.
1994
Dr. Oden becomes a learning disability specialist at Harold Washington Elementary School.
1995
Dr. Oden receives a Doctor of Education from National Louis University.
2015
Dr. Oden becomes a certified research professor in education/social policy through the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England.
2017
Dr. Oden is honored with the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who.