We have all been deeply affected in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, racially-motivated injustices, and civil unrest. Throughout these disruptions, the College of Education at Illinois has remained focused on our mission of research, teaching, and service. We have responded to these challenges by investing in faculty, staff, and students—our Great Minds—who are finding innovative, positive solutions to overcome barriers to educational progress.
This fall, we are pleased to welcome thirteen additional faculty members to our Education at Illinois ranks. The campus' commitment to add significant capacity to our research and instruction capabilities through these scholars is remarkable. Our collective expertise is strengthened in areas ranging from equitable evaluation methods, to school leadership and management practices, to increasing STEM and literacy capabilities for diverse learners.
Likewise, the College's Bureau of Educational Research is investing seed funding in 10 research projects in 2020, concerned with the impacts of COVID-19 on education and society. We believe in innovative research having the power to increase the effectiveness and equity of education in the classroom, home, and workplace.
This newsletter highlights a few recent examples of the College of Education's tireless and inspiring dedication to serving the campus, local, and larger community. While these stories are nothing unusual for our perennially overachieving group of faculty, staff, and students, the challenging circumstances surrounding their contributions are extremely unusual. This resiliency is needed to move education—and society—forward, and I am immensely proud of our College's persistence in resilient leadership.
Yours in Orange and Blue,
James D. Anderson
Dean and Gutgsell Professor
College of Education
