Dr. James L. Moore III, Distinguished Professor of Urban Education and executive director of the Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male at the Ohio State University, is known for his research in urban education, school counseling, multicultural education/counseling, gifted education, STEM education, and higher education. Dr. Moore is an outstanding education researcher and thought leader who is shaping the national discussion on African American male students through his interdisciplinary work across the behavioral and social sciences as well as informing education policy and school practices.

The Scholars of Color Mid-Career Contribution Award is awarded to a scholar who is beyond the first level of professional appointment and for whom at least 10 years have passed since receipt of the doctoral degree.

Scholars of Color Early Career Contribution Award
Nicole M. Joseph
Vanderbilt University                                              

The Scholars of Color Early Career Contribution Award is awarded to a scholar who is within the first ten (10) years of his or her career after receipt of the doctoral degree.

Distinguished Career Contribution Award
Rubén Donato
University of Colorado-Boulder

Dr. Antonia Darder, Leavey Presidential Endowed Chair in Ethics and Moral Leadership in the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University and Professor Emerita of Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is an internationally recognized Freirean scholar. She is known for her research on political questions and ethical concerns related to racism, class inequalities, language rights, critical pedagogy, Latino education, and social justice. Dr. Darder’s pedagogy, writings, public lectures, artistic endeavors, and community activism over nearly four decades have consistently anchored on the principles of critical consciousness and a commitment to the struggle for social justice, human rights, and economic democracy.  

The Scholars of Color Distinguished Career Contribution Award is awarded to a senior-level scholar, usually 20 years or more after his or her receipt of the doctoral degree.                         

These three awards are intended to recognize (1) scholars at different stages in their careers who have made significant contributions to the understanding of issues which disproportionately affect minority populations, and (2) minority scholars who have made a significant contribution to educational research and development.