The Baker School was highlighted at the University and Student Achievement Awards:
-Prakriti Nepal, MA '26, received the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Intercultural Leadership Award. She was recognized for demonstrating exceptional intercultural leadership, fostering intercultural understanding and acceptance, and making a positive impact beyond her immediate community.
-Krystal Lindsey, EdD ’26, received AU’s highest award for Outstanding Service to the Community for being a scholar and service-oriented leader. Lindsey created spaces for connection and growth through her work as an Experiential Learning Leader, supporting students in navigating their personal and professional journeys.
-Esther Ward, EdD '26, received The Catalyst Award, honoring her for dedicating herself to meaningful community service and demonstrating exceptional mentorship and leadership qualities.
-Isabel Gittines, Baker/BA '26 CAS/BA '26, received the CSI Award of Excellence for leadership in a CSI-recognized board or council through membership development, academic achievement, and outstanding contributions to campus life.
-Felicity Chapman, SOC/BA '26 and education studies minor, was awarded the Gail Short Hanson Award for Advocacy for demonstrating principled and informed leadership in advancing a cause, policy, or program objective that benefits the campus community or a community beyond the campus.
-Marcus McNeil, SPA/BA '26 and education studies minor, received the undergraduate award for Outstanding Service for his unique contributions and sustained service that will leave a lasting impact on the University community.
In the AU Speaks Up speech competition, education studies minors Demar Goodman, SPA/BA '27 and education studies minor, won, while Nasaiah Algarin, SOC/BA '27 and education studies minor, was a finalist.
Read about Carla Davila’s path through AU’s Baker School of Education and what she’s done since she received her MEd in 2022. Davila works on OSSE's Workforce Development and Enhancement Team, within the Division of Early Learning, reviewing educator credentials and issuing certifications to childcare professionals across the District.
Interim Dean Rodney Hopson spoke at World Bank Independent Evaluation Group Independent Evaluation Group's launch of PIUneer—a joint multilateral development bank initiative—and its role in strengthening the monitoring and evaluation profession through shared standards, practical competencies, and the use of data and technology to support delivery. Hopson said, "I emphasized the need to focus on the people most affected and the strength of the innovations often by NGOs, academicians, and community who have a longer history of this monitoring and evaluation work."
The Baker School has announced the launch of the Advancing College Teaching for Student Success (ACTSS) National Center. Launched with support from Lumina Foundation and ECMC Foundation and directed by Dr. Corbin M. Campbell, the new center addresses a persistent gap in higher education by elevating undergraduate teaching excellence—the primary driver of the student experience.
