Congratulations to our 2025 Awardees
About the Distinguished Alumni Award
The Indiana University School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an alum by the School. The award was founded in 1977 to recognize alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the school by distinguishing themselves in their careers and have made significant contributions to their community, state and nation through professional service, public service and civic activities.
This year's awards are given in three categories:
The Excellence in PreK-12 Education Award recognizes IU School of Education alumni who have excelled in PreK-12 education by providing leadership in the use of innovative classroom methods, programs or other initiatives.
The Excellence in Higher Education Award recognizes IU School of Education alumni who are transforming higher education through exceptional programs, innovative services, and effective leadership.
The Early Career Achievement Award recognizes IU School of Education alumni who have made outstanding professional contributions to the field of education and received their degree from the IU School of Education within the last ten years.
2025 Awardees
Jeffrey A. Hendrix (Ed.D. '03)
Excellence in PreK-12 Education
Jeffrey Hendrix is a dedicated servant leader whose career has centered on helping others achieve their highest potential. Prior to retiring in 2022, he served as an educator in Indiana for 37 years, working as a teacher, academic and athletic coach, building administrator, central office administrator, and superintendent. His leadership emphasized equitable educational opportunities and strong community partnerships across urban, suburban, and rural school districts.
As a 20-year superintendent, Hendrix championed innovative programs, including college credit courses, K-12 STEM initiatives, entrepreneurship programs, skilled trades training, and internships to prepare students for diverse career paths. He collaborated with educators and community stakeholders to secure funding through successful referendums, resulting in new programs, improved teacher compensation, and facility enhancements that supported modern learning environments. He also prioritized nonacademic student needs by creating leadership and mentoring programs, such as the LINK Crew at Munster High School and Eads Leads at Eads Elementary School.
Hendrix was instrumental in developing future educational leaders by mentoring teachers and administrators and supporting their participation in programs like the Woodrow Wilson Leadership Development Fellowship. He frequently presented at leadership conferences, mentored new superintendents, and established Super Chat, one of Indiana’s first educational podcasts, which became a model for similar programs in other states.
Beyond his professional achievements, Hendrix served as President of the Indiana Association of Public-School Superintendents and President and Emeritus of the Indiana University School of Education Alumni Board. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Indiana’s educational landscape.
A proud Hoosier from Kokomo, Hendrix earned his bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees from Indiana University. He and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 35 years and have three daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom share his deep connection to Indiana University.
Ryan N. Goodwin (B.S. '09)
Excellence in Higher Education
Ryan Goodwin serves as the Senior Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff in the Division of Student Success and Well-Being at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In this role, he oversees UCF’s nationally recognized academic success coaching model, the Office of Academic Advocacy, the Center for Higher Education Innovation, division communications and marketing, institutional effectiveness, the LEAD Scholars Academy, and the Student Academic Resource Center. He also plays a key role in advancing UCF’s efforts to create a preeminent student success ecosystem.
Goodwin’s research and practice focus on higher education innovations that enhance postsecondary access, persistence, and completion for all students. His work is particularly centered on the impact of educational systems and organizational structures on student progression through higher education.
A native Hoosier, Goodwin earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Indiana University. He holds a Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina and a dual Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University, where he was an Erickson Research Fellow. At UCF, he previously served as the inaugural University Innovation Alliance Fellow, Founding Director of the Center for Higher Education Innovation, Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success Research and Strategic Initiatives, and Assistant Dean for Research.
Outside of work, Goodwin enjoys cheering on IU athletics, traveling with his partner, Gui, and values the love and support of his family and friends who have become family along the way.
Meina Zhu (Ph.D. '19)
Early Career Achievement
Meina Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Learning Design and Technology program in the College of Education at Wayne State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology from the School of Education at Indiana University Bloomington. Her scholarship lies in the field of Learning Design and Technology, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning and address critical challenges in education.
Her research centers on two interrelated areas: (1) identifying and understanding design and teaching practices that support self-directed learning (SDL) and self-regulated learning (SRL) in both formal and informal educational settings, and (2) utilizing emerging learning technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and learning analytics, to advance STEM education, particularly computer science education.
Zhu’s current work on AI and Data Science Education is supported by a federal grant. Her scholarly contributions include more than 60 peer-reviewed journal publications in leading journals such as Educational Technology Research and Development, British Journal of Educational Technology, The Internet and Higher Education, and Distance Education. In addition, she has authored one book, three book chapters, and seven proceedings articles.
In recognition of her contributions to the field, Zhu received the Early Career Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning (TICL) SIG in 2021, the Rising Star Award (Gold Level) from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) in 2023, and the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Bruce N. Chaloux Scholarship for Early Career Excellence in 2023. She is also included in the prestigious list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists published by Stanford University for 2023 and 2024.
Past Awardees
 | EARLY CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Rebecca Bersani (B.S.'18) STEAM teacher, Blue Academy Elementary School Indianapolis, Indiana |
 | EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD Mary Lee Seibert (B.S.'63, M.S.'73, Ed.D.'79) Evansville, Indiana |
 | EXCELLENCE IN PREK-12 EDUCATION AWARD Sharon Johnson Shirley (B.S.'77, M.S.'90) Superintendent, Lake Ridge New Tech Schools Calumet Township, Northwest Indiana |
 | OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD Debra Tica Sanchez (B.S.'92) Senior Vice President of Educational Media and Learning Experiences Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) |
 | EXCELLENCE IN PREK-12 EDUCATION AWARD Pam Fischer (B.S.'88, M.A.'99) High School Scholarship Committee Co-chair Tucscon, AZ |
 | EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD Gene Tempel (M.A.’74, Ed.D.’85) Founding Dean Emeritus, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Indiana University |
 | OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD Dawn Whitehead (B.A.’97, M.S.’03, Ph.D.’07) Vice President, Office of Global Citizenship for Campus, Community, and Careers Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) |
 | EARLY CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Eddie R. Cole (M.S.’09, Ph.D.’13) Associate Professor University of California, Los Angeles |
 | EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD Frank D. Sánchez (Ph.D.’03) Senior Fellow Interfaith America |
 | OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD Paola Sztajn (Ph.D.’95) Dean, College of Education North Carolina State University |
 | EXCELLENCE IN PRE-K–12 EDUCATION AWARD Rosemary Wolf Rehak (M.S.’77, Ed.D.’86) School Administrator, retired Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation |
 | EXCELLENCE IN PRE-K-12 EDUCATION AWARD Lily Albright (B.S.’00, M.S.’06) Principal Unionville Elementary School |
 | OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD Janice Brown (Ed.D.’81) Superintendent (Retired) Kalamazoo Public Schools |
 | OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD Gene Jongsma (B.S.’64, Ed.D.’71) Retired Educator |
 | EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD Lynda R. Wiest (Ph.D. ’96) Professor, College of Education and Human Development University of Nevada, Reno |
 | EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION AWARD Harold "Pete" Goldsmith, Ed.D. (Ed.D.’75) Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, retired Indiana University Bloomington |
 | EXCELLENCE IN PREK-12 EDUCATION AWARD Naomi B. Searle, M.Ed. (B.S.’85) 6th Grade Teacher, English Language Arts South Middleton School District |
 | EARLY CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Susie L. Gronseth, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’11) Clinical Associate Professor University of Houston |
 | OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AWARD William H. Parrett, Ph.D. (B.S.’72, M.S.’73, Ph.D.’79) Director Emeritus, Center for School Improvement & Policy Studies Boise State University |
 | David A. Ambler, Ed.D. (Ed.D.'66) Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Emeritus The University of Kansas |
 | Carole Ames, Ph.D. (M.S.’68) Dean Emerita Michigan State University College of Education |
 | Marilyn Friend, Ph.D. (M.S.’78, Ph.D.’81) Professor Emerita The University of North Carolina at Greensboro |
 | Karen Schuster Webb, Ph.D. (M.S.’73, Ph.D.’80) President Union Institute & University |
 | Dena Cushenberry-Burrello (Ed.S.’09, Ed.D.’12) Retired Superintendent of Schools MSD Warren Township |
 | Judith A. DeMuth (Ed.D.’99) Superintendent of Schools Monroe County Community School Corporation |
 | James B. Luther (Ph.D.’92) Owner & President Luther Consulting, LLC |
 | Frederick A. Taylor, Jr. (B.S.’73) Administrator Zephyrhills Health & Rehabilitation Center |
 | Brady Barr, PhD (BS’87) Children’s Book Author & Educator/herpetologist/owner Eco Adventures Nature Center |
 | Saisuree Chutikul, EdD (MS’57, EdD’62) Chairperson/Member of multiple National Committees in Thailand Country of Thailand |
 | Ted S. Hasselbring, EdD (BS’71, EdD’79) Professor of Special Education Vanderbilt University |
 | Edson W. Sample (MS’71) Retired Director for Financial Aid Indiana University |
 | Kimberly L. King-Jupiter, PhD (MS’93, PhD’98) Special Assistant for Research Initiatives Division of Research and Sponsored Programs Tennessee State University |
 | Angela M. McNelis, PhD, RN (MS’90) Professor and Associate Dean for Scholarship, Innovation, and Clinical Science George Washington University School of Nursing |
 | A.Y. “Fred” Ramirez, PhD (PhD’99) Professor of Education, Concordia University, Irvine Executive Director of EdActs Global |
 | Elizabeth J. Whitt (PhD’88) Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education Professor in Sociology University of California, Merced |
 | Robert E. Draba, PhD, JD (BS'68) Trial Attorney, Antitrust Division United States Department of Justice Washington, DC |
 | Peggy A. Hinckley, EdD (BS'74) Educational Consultant, School Improvement Retired Superintendent |
 | R. Elizabeth Odle (MS'74) Retired Program Director, Bridges to Success United Way of Central Indiana |
 | Pat Wilson (BS'71, MS'77) Department Chair and Teacher Bloomington High School North |
Richard E. Bishop, EdD (BS'61, MS'71, EdD'77) Retired, Executive Assistant to the President
Indiana University Foundation
Shaun R. Harper, PhD (MS'00, PhD'03)
Associate Professor and Executive Director
Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Jann Keenan, EdS (MS'79, EdS'80)
Instructional Designer for Health Literacy/Health Equity
The Keenan Group, Inc.
Stanley Warren, EdD (EdS'71, EdD'73)
Retired Dean, Academic Affairs and Professor of Education
DePauw University
Abdul Farouk Ahmed (MS'79)
Consultant, Human Resources and Organizational Change & Managing Director, ICC Consultants Centre
Maurice C. Daniels, EdD (BA'72, MS'75, EdD'82)
Dean and Professor, Senior Researcher and Executive Producer, University of Georgia, School of Social Work
David A. Lepkojus (BS'74)
Head Teacher/Supervisor, Counselor, Administrator, Bureau of Indian Education, United States Department of the Interior, Many Farms High School
Dr. Victor A. Smith (MS'72, EdD'77)
Retired, Associate Director, Indiana Urban School Association
Patricia A. Payne (BS'64, MS'75)
Director, Crispus Attucks Museum
Gerald O. Thompkins, Ph.D. (BS'70, MS'77)
Director, STEM Education and Research Center, Kent State University
James E. Weigand (EdD'64)
Dean Emeritus, School of Continuing Studies, Indiana University
Christine O. Cheney (EdD'84)
Dean and Professor of Special Education
University of Nevada College of Education
W. Rob Foshay (PhD'77)
Director, Research for the Educational Technology Group
Texas Instruments
James D. Mervilde (MS'81, Spclst'86, EdD'00)
Retired Superintendent
MSD of Washington Township, Indianapolis
Douglas Harris (MS'64, EdD'68)
Retired, Vice President, Knight Ridder Corporation
Earlene Holland (EdS'80)
Retired, Associate Provost, Oakland City University
Keith Jepsen (EdD'84)
President, Global Student Loan Corporation
Youngsoo Kim (PhD'83)
Director, Institute for Teaching & Learning, Ewha Women’s University, Seoul Korea
YoungHwan Kim (PhD'94)
Joseph Russell (MS'68, EdD'70)
H.A.R. Tilaar (MA'66, EdD'67)
Dennis C. Hayes (BS'74, JD'77)
Rodney P. Kirsch (MS'82)
Hazel R. Tribble (MA'75)
B. James Dawson (EdD'84)
Michael Hanes (BS'70, MS'72, PhD'73)
Nathaniel Jones (BS'73, MS'77, Spclst'82)
Patricia Lather (PhD'83)
Bonita S. Beaumont (BS'76)
Carole L. Hahn (EdD'73)
Sharon Robinson Kurpius (PhD'78)
Victor Boschini (EdD'89)
Dale Fuqua (PhD'80)
Sivasailam Thiagarajan (PhD'71, MS'70)
Rick Crosslin (MS'81)
Bonnie Litwiller (MAT'65, EdD'68)
Cynthia Witterhold Cleveland (BS'74, MS'76)
Thomas D. Oakland (MS '65, PhD'67)
Toby Strout (MS'74, PhD'91)
Yvonna S. Lincoln (EdD'78)
Nancy L. Roser (MS'70, EdD'70)