Capitol News

Four scholars from Michigan State University's College of Education have been recognized as leading influencers in the field of education. The Rick Hess Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings, now in its 15th year and published by Education Week, highlights educators who have made notable contributions to research, policy, and practice across the United States.

The 2024 list features MSU faculty members Joshua Cowen, Barbara Schneider, Jerlando Jackson, and Scott Imberman. Joshua Cowen, a professor in the Department of Educational Administration, ranks at #88 (tie), marking a rise of 52 places from the previous year. Barbara Schneider holds the position of John A. Hannah Chair and University Distinguished Professor in both the College of Education and Department of Sociology and is ranked at #99.

Jerlando Jackson, serving as dean of the Michigan State University College of Education and MSU Research Foundation Professor of Education, appears at #155, an improvement of eight places from last year. Scott Imberman is a professor with appointments in both the Department of Economics and the Education Policy doctoral program; he ranks at #185, also up eight places from 2024.

The ranking process involved evaluating more than 20,000 university-based faculty members across the United States who are engaged in educational research. A panel consisting of educational scholars and leaders selected these individuals based on various criteria such as Google Scholar scores and mentions in both educational and mainstream media outlets. The aim was to recognize influential higher education faculty involved in education research.

This announcement was initially published on the College of Education's website.