UK College of Education Dean and Faculty Member Elected to National Positions

James G. Cibulka, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Education, and Tricia Browne-Ferrigno, assistant professor of educational leadership studies, have been elected to leadership positions within the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

Cibulka was named chair of the Organization of Institutional Affiliates (OIA) executive committee for AERA. He began serving the first of a three-year term at the AERA National Conference in April 2007. Cibulka will serve as chair-elect for one year, followed by a year as chair of the committee, and the third year as immediate past chair.

OIA membership is comprised of schools of education, research institutions, and professional associations that have an interest in federal education research policy. This group also provides information and context about federal education research issues not readily available from other sources. Additionally, it facilitates members' opportunities to be engaged in shaping policy with regard to significant research issues.

Browne-Ferrigno also began a three-year term as chair of the Learning and Teaching in Education Special Interest Group during the conference.

This group encourages and provides a forum for research, evaluation, and scholarship in educational leadership preparation and development, and the impact of preparation on leadership practice. It also advances inquiry into state and national leadership standards assessment and credentialing.

“It is important that faculty within the College of Education continually seek out and accept leadership positions on a national level,” said Cibulka. “These opportunities allow us to grow personally and professionally as well as effect change on national and international levels. This leadership is a critical component of our efforts to become a Top 20 public research university.”

Cibulka came to the College of Education in 2002. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Browne-Ferrigno came to the college in 2001. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, her master’s from Central Florida and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Denver.

American Educational Research Association (AERA), founded in 1916 and based in Washington, D.C., aims to advance knowledge about education, to encourage scholarly inquiry related to education, and to promote the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.

This from UK Press Release.