Joan Ferrini-Mundy University of Maine
The recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award is Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy. Through her leadership and work in math education research, Dr. Ferrini-Mundy has implemented a strong vision for higher education and elevated the role of education research in transforming STEM teaching and learning. As current president of the University of Maine, she successfully led the institution’s efforts to gain Research 1 Carnegie status, while working to strengthen equity and student success. In her prior roles at the National Science Foundation, Ferrini-Mundy spearheaded efforts that centered the role of education research both within the work of the Education and Human Resources Directorate and across NSF. Dr. Ferrini-Mundy’s actions to build institutional capacity have benefited communities across Maine and the field of education research. The Distinguished Public Service Award is granted annually in recognition of an individual who has worked to enact or implement policies that are well grounded in education research, or who has been at the forefront of efforts to increase recognition and support for education research. The recipient will be invited either to deliver an address or to participate in a panel discussion during the following Annual Meeting on a topic relevant to their contribution and expertise. The AERA Government Relations Committee is charged by AERA Council with serving as the selection committee for this award.
2023 - Linda Darling-Hammond 2022 - Peggy G. Carr 2021 - Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott 2020 - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson 2019 - George Miller 2018 - Donna E. Shalala 2017 - Michael W. Kirst 2016 - Shirley Malcom 2015 - Joseph Conaty 2014 - Ruby Takanishi 2013 - Freeman A. Hrabowski III 2012 - Jerry D. Weast 2011 - Emerson J. Elliott 2010 - Beverly L. Hall 2008 - Bruce Alberts 2007 - Jack Jennings 2005 - Ronald A. Wolk 2004 - Richard C. Atkinson 2003 - James B. Hunt