Research News

Vanderbilt education faculty named among top influencers

Nine Vanderbilt faculty members were selected for inclusion in the 2015 Edu-Scholar Public Presence Rankings, released today.

The annual listing recognizes 200 university-based academics who have contributed substantially to the national discourse on K-12 and higher education issues over the past year. Vanderbilt’s top ranked professor was Peabody’s Joseph Murphy at No. 14.

The list is compiled by Education Week blogger and author Rick Hess.

“One small way to encourage academics to step into the fray and revisit academic norms is by doing more to recognize and value those scholars who engage in public discourse,” Hess said. “I’m not sure I’ve got everything exactly right, but I think such efforts convey real information and help to spark useful discussion.”

Criteria for the rankings include evidence of “disciplinary scholarship, policy analysis and popular writing, convening and shepherding collaborations, providing incisive media commentary and speaking in the public square,” according to Hess.

Other Vanderbilt faculty who are included on this year’s Edu-Scholar Rankings are:

  • Joseph Murphy, Frank W. Mayborn Professor of Education
  • Camilla Benbow, Patricia and Rodes Hart Dean of Education and Human Development
  • Lynn Fuchs, Nicholas Hobbs Professor of Special Education
  • Ellen Goldring, Patricia and Rodes Hart Chair and Professor of Education Policy and Leadership
  • Gary Henry, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Public Policy and Education
  • Dale Ballou, associate professor of leadership, policy and organizations
  • Ron Zimmer, associate professor of public policy and education
  • Stella Flores, associate professor of public policy and higher education
  • Matthew Springer, assistant professor of public policy and education