University Distinguished Professor Ann E. Austin was among those recognized in the inaugural Alumni Awards for the University of Michigan School of Education. Austin received a Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes individuals who have made “significant contributions to their profession and whose accomplishments exemplify leadership, innovation and passion for advancing the field of education.”
Austin was one of three to receive the distinction. She was formally recognized at the School of Education’s graduation ceremony on April 30, held in Ann Arbor, MI.
“Receiving this award is a great honor,” Austin said. “I appreciate that my life has connected me deeply with both Michigan State, where I have enjoyed many years as a faculty member and institutional leader, and the University of Michigan, where I had wonderful graduate preparation for the many dimensions of my career. I have wonderful memories and much gratitude for my faculty and fellow students during my graduate experience.”
Austin is a two-time graduate of the institution, AM ‘82 (American Culture) and Ph.D. ‘84 (Higher Education). She joined the Michigan State University College of Education as a faculty member in the Department of Educational Administration in 1991.
She is recognized as a leader in the field of higher education in the U.S. and around the world, with a particular focus on organizational change in higher education, STEM education at the undergraduate level, preparation of future faculty, creating more inclusive academic workplaces, and faculty development across the career stages.
Among other areas, “Austin has … focused on gender equity for women scholars … identifying institutional policies and practices that can promote the advancement of women faculty,” wrote one nominator for the UM award.
She has also held several leadership positions, including:
- MSU assistant provost for faculty and academic staff development – career paths
- College of Education associate dean for research (2016-2021) and, from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 as the interim dean of the college
- Dr. Mildred B. Erickson Distinguished Chair in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education (twice)
- Co-chair of the Roundtable for Systemic Change in Undergraduate STEM Education, an initiative sponsored by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to not only foster discussions on the challenges of and improvements for undergraduate STEM education, but to provide key stakeholders with foundational, evidence-based research knowledge with which to initiate systemic reform.
- Co-creator of the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CITTL), a collaboration of universities dedicated to helping graduate students in the sciences, social sciences, mathematics and technology develop teaching skills they can use to enhance learning.
On June 30, 2022, it was announced Austin would step into a new leadership role. She was nominated by MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. to serve as the interim associate provost for faculty and academic staff affairs.
Among her other awards, Austin was named a Michigan State University Distinguished Professor and received a Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Award from the MI American Council on Education Women’s Network, both in 2019. In addition, Austin has also received Exemplary Research Award from the Higher/Postsecondary Education Division of the American Educational Research Association, the Research Achievement Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Comparative and International Education Society.
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