In addition to a return to campus, 2022 included renewal, community building and equity for USC Rossier. Inaugural programs, impactful research, faculty leadership and dedicated alumni in the field contributed to a year full of opportunities.
Critical research included an examination of bias in online learning, understanding how controversial topics taught in school are perceived and a better understanding of how districts responded to unfolding health crisis and growing structural racism.
USC Rossier expanded its outreach with new initiatives and public program offerings. The Educational Equity Initiative features a series of projects designed to create transformative educational opportunities for children in Los Angeles and across the country. The inaugural Melbo Lecture, which honors education visionary and former dean Irving R. Melbo, brings together thought leaders to have powerful conversations about the future of education. The five-session Master Class series was created to be a catalyst to broaden discussions among USC Rossier students, faculty and staff.
USC Rossier’s alumni exemplified the school’s mission. Notable alumna and winningest Olympian Alyson Felix ’08 was USC’s 2022 keynote commencement speaker. Wendy Birhanzel EdD '07 and Kim Kircher MAT ’20 were recognized for their dedication and contributions to their districts. In addition, Buu Van Nygren EdD ’21 was elected Navajo Nation president and NASA’s Michelle Hooks MAT ’17 blends STEM to inspire kids. The first cohort from USC Rossier’s Teacher Preparation Residency program also graduated in 2022.
While USC Rossier said farewell to distinguished colleagues who retired, several significant new faculty were hired this year. Other faculty leaders include Gale M. Sinatra, who was elected to the National Academy of Education, and Shaun Harper who was appointed by the White House to the National Board for Education Sciences.
