Seven faculty ranked among RHSU Edu-Scholars for Public Influence in 2026

The USC Rossier School of Education is proud to announce that seven faculty members have been recognized in the 2026 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings, which highlight university-based education scholars whose work has had exceptional impact on public debate, policy, media and practice. The annual list, created by Rick Hess, Education Week opinion blogger and director of the education policy studies for the American Enterprise Institute, spotlights the top 200 scholars in the United States whose research and engagement have shaped education discourse at local, state and national levels.

This year, USC Rossier continues its strong presence on the list with its seven faculty members ranked across multiple disciplines:

Top-ranked USC Rossier scholars, 2026

• Shaun Harper – #3 Overall, #1 in Government and Policy
  Renowned for his work on race and equity in education, Harper’s ranking this year is among his highest to date. His scholarship and public leadership continue to influence policy conversations and national equity initiatives across K–12 and higher education sectors. 
   
• Pedro Noguera – #20 Overall, #3 in Sociology
  USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera’s research examines the social dynamics and structural conditions that shape educational access and opportunity. His work consistently informs policymakers, practitioners and community leaders. 
   
• Morgan Polikoff – #22, #4 in Government and Policy
  A leading expert in K–12 education policy, Polikoff’s scholarship focuses on the intersections of curriculum materials, standards, assessments and accountability systems. He also studies COVID-19 impacts and recovery and is a co-director of the USC EdPolicy Hub.
   
• Adrianna Kezar – #36, # 7 in Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration
  As a nationally recognized authority on leadership and change in higher education, Kezar’s work centers on organizational transformation and equitable institutional practices. Kezar also serves as the co-director for the Pullias Center for Higher Education and as editor of Change Magazine.
   
• Julie A. Marsh – #108, Government and Policy
  Marsh’s research and leadership in education policy analysis inform discussions around governance, equity and the implementation of public education reforms. 
   
• Julie Posselt – #117, Sociology
  Posselt serves as the co-director for the Pullias Center for Higher Education. Her scholarship explores the organizational dimensions of higher education access and stratification, with particular attention to admissions and cultures in STEM.
   
• Estela Mara Bensimon – #154, Sociology
  Bensimon’s work has advanced institutional equity frameworks used widely in postsecondary settings.

About the Edu-Scholar rankings

The RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings have been released annually since 2010. Hess uses a multifaceted methodology to create and calculate each year’s rankings. The top 150 Edu-Scholars from the previous year’s ranking automatically qualify for a spot in the current year’s ranking. Hess then consults with a selection committee composed of a diverse group of leading education scholars who make additions to the lists. To calculate the rankings, scholars are evaluated on multiple criteria, including citation counts, book publications, media mentions, policy influence and public engagement. These measures reflect not only academic production but the real-world impact of research on educational debates and decisions.

USC Rossier faculty honored in 2026 have leveraged their scholarship to inform policymakers, contribute to public discussions and help shape educational practice with a focus on equity and opportunity for students and educators alike.