Exciting Updates from Penn State University’s College of Education: April 30, 2025

Recent updates from Penn State’s College of Education shine a light on various exciting projects and accomplishments among students, faculty, and staff.

• Marcela Borge, an associate professor in education, was selected as one of the inaugural Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) and Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year. Her project focuses on aligning tenure promotion with the university’s mission.
• Jen Classen, a doctoral candidate in learning, design, and technology, received the prestigious 2025 Laurel Award for Outstanding Student Service. Her leadership shines through her roles in various student organizations.
• Adrienne D. Dixson, professor and department head, together with Scott McDonald, completed the 2025 Excellence in Academic Leadership program. This initiative strengthens leadership skills through practical experiences.
• Doctoral candidates Annie Everett and Julian Prieto will have their work featured in “Critical Internationalization of Higher Education.” Their chapter discusses how universities can engage ethically in global communities.
• In recent news, Ed Fuller was quoted in articles discussing Pennsylvania’s persistent teacher vacancy issues. The data shows an ongoing struggle in the education sector as districts strive to fill roles.
• Jeffrey Hayes and Carlomagno Panlilio co-authored a research paper in APA PsycNet, examining psychological assessments across diverse ethnic groups.
• Brandy Henry, assistant professor, made headlines in an article discussing Justice Education Month, highlighting her contributions to the community.
• Seong Ji Jeong was recently named a Social Science Research Institute Mentored Faculty Fellow. His research explores how education impacts wage gaps based on job mismatch.
• Gerald LeTendre released a new book on improving teacher preparation worldwide, reflecting on educational policies and practices.
• Ricardo Martinez contributed to a publication on youth participatory action research, emphasizing imaginative community engagement.
• Doctoral student Benjamin McMullen received accolades for his standout presentation at the NACADA Region 2 Conference.
• Wilson Okello published an article on the intersection of Black methodology in education, also winning an award for his recent book.
• Anna Yinqi Zhang wrote about growth in education through innovation cohorts, providing valuable insights into educator development.
• Heather Toomey Zimmerman completed her experience in the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders program, focusing on enhancing leadership capabilities.

These updates showcase the vibrant academic environment at Penn State, driven by passionate individuals striving for excellence and innovation in education. To explore more stories and achievements, you can visit the [Penn State College of Education](https://ed.psu.edu/).

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