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.
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
Welcoming Provost McIntyre
Read this story about Michigan State University Provost Laura Lee McIntyre, who is also an MSU Research Foundation Professor in the College of Education. Her path from the classroom to academic leader reflects a lifelong dedication to helping others thrive.
Now at MSU, she’s leading with empathy and evidence, working alongside faculty, staff and students to advance academic excellence and the public good. (Story written by Mark Johnson)
Leadership Distinctions:
The following distinctions were bestowed in calendar year 2025, except where noted.
- Professor Amita Chudgar named associate dean of international studies.
- 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.
Feature Stories
Reimagining programs to meet workforce demands
For decades, our college has offered programs related to education, health and well-being that prepare leaders to transform the world around them.
But it's not just about offering programs. It is about reevaluatin,g reflecting and reformatting.
Go inside the transformation (or creation) of three programs in our Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education.
Faculty Focus: Phillip Rumrill
Phillip Rumrill, a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, joined Michigan State University in Fall 2025 as a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor. Learn about his career and what he's excited for at MSU.
Faculty Focus: Madeline Mavrogordato
Madeline Mavrogordato, a recognized education policy scholar, became the director of the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative in Fall 2025. Learn about her career and her role with EPIC.
EPIC's New Era
Since its creation in 2017, the MSU Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) has been fueled by a singular motive: to conduct research with consequence.
With a new leader (Madeline Mavrogordato) and nearly 10 years of strategic, collaborative research in education policy, the EPIC team is ready to "advance evidence-based policy change in Michigan and beyond."
Faculty Focus: Kristen A. Renn
Higher, adult and lifelong education expert Kristen A. Renn received several MSU and external accolades in 2025-2026. Learn about her career and the honors.
Faculty Focus: Karin A. Pfeiffer
Kinesiology and youth sport expert Karin A. Pfeiffer received several accolades from Michigan State University and beyond in 2025. Learn about her career and the honors.
Expert Take on the Presidential Fitness Test
A 2025 Executive Order started the process of reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test and revitalizing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
Two MSU experts in kinesiology, youth sports and movement react and share their hopes for the future.
Introducing: Spartan Teacher Promise
Earning a college degree can be expensive. Thanks to a program launched by the MSU College of Education and the College of Natural Science, students pursuing careers teaching high school science now have a way to reduce their degree costs.
Explore our innovative, collaborative program aimed at reducing the national teacher shortage — and helping recruit and retain the next generation of Spartan educators.
Spartans shine in national science standards effort
Explore how Spartan alums and faculty are creating, leading and reshaping change for science standards across the U.S.
Learn about the Spartan contributions to the the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 (CASTL-K12) in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM).
Meet Tonya S. Frisbey
Tonya S. Frisbey became the MSU College of Education senior director of development on December 1, 2025.
Frisbey will oversee the college's Office of Devvelopment & Alumni Relations and guide the college's efforts for the university's comprehensive campaign, "Uncommon Will, Far Better World."
Alum News
Alum News is a celebration of the accolades and accomplishments of the graduates of the College of Education.
Alum Awards
Meet the honorees of our college-level awards for distinguished alums from each of our departments.
Grand Awards
Meet the college alums who earned Grand Awards from MSU for their distinctive service, outreach and Spartans Will.
In Memoriam
Join us in remembering and honoring:
- Marilyn J. Amey
- Janet Bashore
- Douglas R. Campbell
- Joyce Grant
- Marlene Green
- Jeanette Minkel
- William Schmidt
- Lee Shulman
