The New Educator magazine communicates the ongoing strengths and latest developments among the faculty, students, alumni and programs of Michigan State University’s top-ranked College of Education. Read about research, policy debates, opportunities for study and people doing amazing things in classrooms and communities around the globe.
Send your news, comments and story ideas to Lauren Knapp at laeknapp@msu.edu.
This page is under construction as we prep the next edition of the magazine. Check back soon for new and amazing stories about the MSU College of Education.
Choose a data source
In the Latest Issue
From the Dean
The world is changing rapidly, and MSU College of Education Spartans are changing with it.
Read the magazine's introduction from Dean Jerlando F. L. Jackson.
Celebrating Kelly Herberholz
The two-time MSU alum was named Michigan's Educator of the Year in 2025 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The honor comes with a $10,000 prize from Michigan Lottery's Excellence in Education Program.
New Program Announcement
MSU now offers two expedited options for individuals wanting to become certified teachers of Chinese or Spanish. Learn about the World Language Teacher Certification Program.
Faculty Kudos
Leadership Distinctions:
The following distinctions were bestowed in calendar year 2025, except where noted.
- Professor Amita Chudgar named associate dean of international studies.
- Professor Madeline Mavrogordato named director of the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative.
- Kristen A. Renn named University Distinguished Professor.
- Several faculty earned the title of Red Cedar Distinguished Professor: Marisa H. Fisher, Jackie Goodway, Matthew Pontifex*, Phillip Rumrill and Kristen A. Renn.
Pontifex became a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor in 2026.
Introducing Inform[ED] 2030
The College of Education prepares leaders who address cognitive, physical and emotional well‐being at the individual, community and societal levels by engaging in high‐quality research, teaching and outreach that makes an impact and promotes the public good.
Ingrained: Alum Features
Ingrained captures the journeys of Spartan educators who have become catalysts for positive change in K-12 classrooms across the state of Michigan. These inspiring educators are deeply rooted in their communities, bringing passion, innovation and a commitment to education.
Photo Feature: Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
During the solar eclipse in April, College of Education photographer Trevor Hawks scouted out a place to set up with his camera.
Alum Awards (2024)
The annual awards celebrate alums across the college for their significant contributions to their field, their communities, the college and the university.