Professor and internationally recognized scholar Kristen Renn was named an American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellow in March 2025. The honor recognizes scholars for their “exceptional contributions to, and excellence in, education research,” said AERA in a news release. She joins a group of 29 scholars recognized with the distinction this year.
“Kristen Renn’s dedication to higher education research embodies the very best of the Spartan spirit,” said Jerlando F. L. Jackson, dean and MSU Research Foundation Professor of Education. “Her work has shaped the field, empowered countless students and scholars and driven meaningful change. Being named an AERA Fellow is a well-earned recognition of her impact, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with her.”
Renn’s groundbreaking research explores the educational experiences and identities of college students, with a particular emphasis on diversity and inclusion in higher education, especially for LGBTQIA2S+ students. Over the course of her career, she has chaired 40 completed doctoral dissertations, with seven more in progress. She has also served on 95 dissertation committees and 92 doctoral guidance committees. Renn is a professor in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program.
“I’m so lucky to have landed at MSU, where the college has laid such a strong foundation for me to teach and do research over the last 24 years,” said Renn.
The MSU College of Education has 12 current and emeritus faculty members holding the AERA Fellow title. Renn will be inducted alongside 28 scholars who received the distinction this year at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Denver on April 24.
Notable accolades
Renn’s research has driven equity initiatives in higher education for more than three decades.
A few of her remarkable achievements as a Spartan include:
- In 2010, Renn authored a pivotal article in Educational Researcher on LGBTQIA2S+ research in higher education and the integration of queer theory.
- As a graduate of the world’s oldest women’s college, Mount Holyoke, Renn broke new ground with her landmark research on female-only institutions of higher education. She examined the value of 13 colleges and universities across 10 countries, producing a book and numerous articles from her findings.
- Renn has secured approximately $5.6 million in external grants as principal investigator or co-principal investigator.
- Renn has authored or co-authored 43 peer-reviewed articles, 11 books and contributed 41 chapters in edited volumes.
- In 2018, Renn was president of the nation’s leading organization of higher education scholars, the Association for the Study of Higher Education(ASHE).
- In 2023, Renn organized a symposium focused on LGBTQIA2S+ and higher education research, attracting over 60 in-person attendees and more than 150 virtual participants. The symposium was hosted on MSU’s campus.
- For the past decade, Renn has served as the associate dean for undergraduate education at the university.
- In 2024, Renn received ASHE’s Mentoring Award for exceling in mentoring, fostering inclusivity, contributing to higher education and serving as role models of integrity and collaboration across diverse identities.