Dr. Wanda J. Blanchett to Receive National AACTE Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education

(Jan. 22, 2025, Washington, D.C.) — AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) today announced Wanda J. Blanchett, Ph.D., as the recipient of the 2025 AACTE Edward C. Pomeroy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Teacher Education. Blanchett is a distinguished professor and former dean of the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

The Pomeroy Award recognizes outstanding contributions to educator preparation, either through distinguished service to the educator preparation community or through the development and promotion of outstanding practices in educator preparation at the collegiate, state or national level. The award is named in honor of former AACTE Executive Director Edward C. Pomeroy who served from 1952 to 1980. Blanchett will be presented with the award during AACTE’s 2025 Annual Meeting from Feb. 21–23, in Long Beach, Calif.

“On behalf of AACTE, it is my privilege to award this distinguished honor to Dr. Wanda J. Blanchett,” said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., president and CEO of AACTE. “Dr. Blanchett’s illustrious career and her invaluable contributions to AACTE, including her service as the former chair of the board of directors and her active participation in the Association’s committees and task forces, have been instrumental in advancing our mission. Her foundation as a former Holmes Scholar and as the inaugural president of the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA) exemplifies her commitment to fostering leadership and diversity in our field.”

Blanchett’s teaching, research and service focuses on issues of educational inequity including urban teacher preparation; issues of race, class, culture and gender; disproportionate representation of students of color in special education; severe disabilities; transition planning and issues of sexuality for students with disabilities. 

“This is well deserved and a proud moment for Rutgers University,” said Francine Conway, Ph.D., chancellor of Rutgers University. “Thanks to Dr. Blanchett’s leadership, we are yet again elevated and recognized for excellence.”

Blanchett paid tribute to the colleagues she has worked with along the way upon receiving news of her selection.

“The work that resulted in this award is the collective incredible and extraordinary work of Rutgers GSE faculty and staff,” Blanchett said. “Especially Associate Dean Nora Hyland and the Dean’s Office staff, as well as that of my former colleagues at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the University of Colorado-Denver and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.”