David Arsen

Faculty member David Arsen has received the Michigan School Business Officials’ (MSBO) 2013 Friend of Education award.

Given in recognition of outstanding support of education in Michigan, the Friend of Education award was presented to Arsen by MSBO Board of Directors President Angie McArthur, at the organization’s recent Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Arsen is a professor in the Department of Educational Administration, and an economist who specializes in educational policy analysis.

The College of Education at MSU also now ranks No. 15 overall — up from No. 16, according to the latest graduate school rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report. Looking across all the program rankings, the college has a total of five programs ranked 1st or 2nd. That’s more top-2 programs than any other education school in the country.

The overall college rankings reflect the quality of the curriculum, faculty, students and research within the college, as well as data from surveys of education deans and school superintendents nationwide. The individual program rankings are based on the survey of deans.

“We continue to be a leader among education schools across the country,” said Donald E. Heller, dean of the College of Education. “And the number one reason for this is our people — the faculty, students and staff who contribute to our excellence. While many people know of our long-standing, No. 1 ranking in elementary and secondary education, I am particularly pleased that my fellow deans across the country have recognized the high quality of a number of our academic programs.”

“None of this could have been accomplished with the support we have enjoyed from the university, our research sponsors and our generous donors,” he said.

Along with elementary and secondary education holding steady at No. 1 for so long, MSU has also held the No. 2 spot in curriculum and instruction for 12 consecutive years. Together, those rankings reflect the College of Education’s commitment to improving the practice of teaching and learning in K-12 schools, through research, graduate study and programs that prepare new teachers for careers in elementary and secondary classrooms.

The 2014 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools hits newsstands April 9.

Here is the list of College of Education programs ranked:

Elementary education - #1

Secondary education – #1

Rehabilitation counseling – #2 (Ranked in 2011)

Curriculum and instruction – #2

Higher education administration - #2

Educational psychology – #7

Administration/supervision – #9

Education policy – #11

Visit http://www.usnews.com/grad for more information.

Check MSU News for information about graduate programs across campus.

In addition, the doctoral program in kinesiology at MSU, also offered within the College of Education, ranks #6 in the nation, according to a report from the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK). Learn more.

Photo courtesy of MSU Archives.

Keith Anderson, long-time professor in the Department of Curriculum and Foundations (later became Teacher Education) and associate dean of graduate studies, died on December 20, 2012 at age 79.

Anderson’s career at Michigan State University’s College of Education spanned over 40 years. He taught both undergraduate and graduate students and held various administrative roles within the college.

Beginning as a student, Anderson completed a master’s degree in educational administration in 1963. He immediately stepped into faculty responsibilities as he pursued a PhD that was completed in 1965. In addition, Anderson served as leader among the faculty teaching courses in social-philosophical foundations of education to prospective teachers and graduate students. According to college faculty, Anderson was highly regarded by faculty and administrators for his understanding of faculty governance.

In addition, Anderson served as associate dean alongside then-Dean Judith Lanier. He retired in 1999.

In this key leadership position, Phillips will work closely with Dean Donald Heller and Associate Director of Development Julie Bird to reach philanthropic goals established by the college. Phillips succeeds Michelle Mertz in this position, and is a 1997 graduate of MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“I’m very excited to have Melissa joining us to head our development team,” said Heller. “She brings a wealth of experience in development work across a wide range of institutions, and as an MSU alumnus she knows the university well.  I’m looking forward to working with her as we gear up for the next capital campaign.”

With an extensive background in higher education fundraising, Phillips most recently served as senior director of development at the Iowa State University Foundation’s College of Business, where she provided leadership for an office charged with raising $7 million annually.

“I’m beyond excited to be back here at MSU,” Phillips said. “I am extremely humbled by the opportunity to lead the College of Education development team. I am eager to continue to build support for the outstanding and highly reputable programs in the college.”

Previous to her position with Iowa State, she was associate director of development, focusing on major gifts of $250,000 or more, at University of Pennsylvania’s Western Regional Office. Prior to that, she worked as assistant director of development at University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and cultivated gifts from $500 to $300,000 annually.

Photo courtesy of MSU Archives.

Eldon Nonnamaker, retired Michigan State University administrator and professor emeritus, passed away on November 12 at age 84.

Nonnamaker worked at the College of Education from 1961 to 1992 as a professor of educational administration and higher education. He also served as a leader in student affairs for the university beginning in 1968 and was vice president of student affairs from 1972 to 1979. In addition, he participated as editor of various publications, including the Spartan Handbook for orientation of new students and the Spartan Guide, a guide for student organizations.

A memorial service will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Kellogg Center, Lincoln Room, 219 S. Harrison Road in East Lansing. Nonnamaker’s obituary may be found here.

The No. 1 rankings reflect the College of Education’s commitment to improving the practice of teaching and learning in K-12 schools, through research, graduate study and programs that prepare new teachers for careers in elementary and secondary classrooms.

The 2013 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools, which hits newsstands April 3, also recognizes the quality of faculty and graduates from several other program areas offered within the College of Education community. In fact, two program areas achieved notable increases in the rankings this year: From #4 to #2 in Higher Education Administration and from #8 to #5 in Administration and Supervision.

In addition, the College of Education was ranked #16 overall — up from #17.

“I am very pleased with the position of a number of our programs in the U.S. News & World Report rankings,” said Donald E. Heller, dean of the College of Education. “We strive to ensure that the teaching, research and outreach conducted by the faculty, students and staff in the College of Education are of the highest quality and are helping to improve education and related professions in the nation and beyond our borders.

“While this is only one validation of our work, it is affirming for us to be recognized by our peers who are surveyed by U.S. News.”

The full list includes:

Elementary education - #1

Secondary education – #1

Rehabilitation counseling – #2

Curriculum and instruction – #2

Higher education administration - #2

Administration/supervision – #5

Educational psychology – #5

Education policy – #11

Special education – #15

Visit http://www.usnews.com/grad for more information.

Check MSU News for information about graduate programs across campus.

In addition, the doctoral program in kinesiology at MSU, also offered within the College of Education, ranks #6 in the nation, according to a recent report from the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK). Learn more.