Patricia A. Edwards, an internationally recognized literacy scholar, was named an American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellow in February 2024. The honor recognizes scholars for their “exceptional contributions to, and excellence in, education research,” said AERA in a news release.
Edwards was one of three Michigan State University Spartans named to this year’s cohort. Dean Jerlando F. L. Jackson and Professor Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia were also selected as honorees. Together, they join 24 scholars nationwide who were named AERA Fellows.
The MSU College of Education has nine current and emeritus faculty members holding the AERA Fellow title.
“Patricia Edwards, Jerlando Jackson and Lisa Linnenbrink-Gracia are distinguished, creative, and impactful scholars,” said Ann E. Austin. Austin is a University Distinguished Professor and an AERA Fellow. “Through their work as researchers and leaders, each is making significant contributions in advancing more effective, inclusive, and equitable educational experiences for children, young people, and adults. The faculty, staff, and students in the MSU College of Education are very proud of Pat, Jerlando, and Lisa and applaud this exciting honor they have received.”
Edwards has dedicated her career to promoting practical, sustainable and inclusive reading and literacy instruction strategies for children. She has earned over $100 million in grant-funded projects, published 12 books (and counting) and developed two national literacy programs.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be named a 2024 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellow,” said Edwards. “This recognition fills me with an overwhelming sense of jubilation, joyfulness, gleefulness and exuberance. It’s truly a testament to the countless hours of hard work, dedication and passion I’ve poured into my research over the years. Being recognized as an AERA Fellow is not just a personal achievement, but a validation of the impact and significance of educational research. I am excited to continue contributing to the field and pushing the boundaries of knowledge in education.”
Notable Accolades
Throughout her career, Edwards, a Department of Teacher Education professor, has earned many accolades and served in several leadership roles.
She was the first African American president of the National Reading Conference (later named the Literacy Research Association) in 2006 and served as the International Reading Association president in 2010. She was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 2012.
In 2019, she received the Scholars of Color Distinguished Career Contribution Award from the Committee on Scholars of Color in Education at AERA.
Most recently, Edwards was named a Michigan State University Distinguished Professor. This honor is only given to select faculty members with significant teaching, research and public service achievements. She is one of five current faculty members in the college to hold this distinction.
“It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment that I reflect on the journey of earning numerous accolades, serving in leadership roles, and engaging passionately in educational research,” Edwards said. “Today, I am profoundly honored to stand among the distinguished members of the 2024 Class of AERA Fellows. This recognition not only validates the dedication and commitment I’ve invested in the field but also inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of educational inquiry. I am truly humbled by this prestigious honor and remain committed to advancing knowledge and excellence in education.”