Four scholars from the Michigan State University College of Education were recognized among the top 200 nationwide influencers in education.
Now in its 15th year, the annual Rick Hess Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings (Education Week) spotlight scholars from across the U.S. who have made significant contributions to education research, policy and practice.

The following Spartans are featured in the 2024 listing:
- Joshua Cowen, professor in the Department of Educational Administration, at #88 (tie) – up 52 places from 2024.
- Barbara Schneider, John A. Hannah Chair and University Distinguished Professor in the College of Education and Department of Sociology, at #99
- Jerlando F. L. Jackson, dean of the Michigan State University College of Education and MSU Research Foundation Professor of Education, at #155 — up eight places from 2024.
- Scott Imberman, professor with appointments in the Department of Economics and the Education Policy doctoral program, at #185 – up eight places from 2024.
The rankings rubric indicates “more than 20,000 university-based faculty in the United States are researching education.”
A panel of educational scholars and leaders from various institutions across the U.S. selected the scholars based on several factors, including Google Scholar scores and mentions in the educational and mainstream press. The goal was to identify influential higher education faculty who conduct education research.
Related news: Six scholars from the college were recognized in 2024 for making the Rick Hess Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings.