News & Press https://www.aaace.org/news/default.asp Thu, 2 Jul 2026 06:54:48 GMT Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:01:00 GMT Copyright © 2025 American Association For Adult and Continuing Education Dr. Petra A. Robinson, AAACE President-Elect, awarded prestigious NSF Grant https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=714870 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=714870 The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) proudly recognizes Dr. Petra A. Robinson, Associate Professor and Interim Director of the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development in the College of Human Sciences & Education at Louisiana State University (LSU), for being awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Grant for her Research in STEM Settings (RESS) program.

As Principal Investigator, Dr. Robinson will lead this three-year initiative engaging 30 teachers—10 annually—in immersive, place-based summer research experiences designed to strengthen STEM instruction through inquiry, reflection, and applied research. The Noyce RESS program integrates critical literacies, AI and cybersecurity education, and participatory research methods, preparing educators to translate evidence-based learning into classroom practice and community impact.

Dr. Robinson’s leadership in this work exemplifies AAACE’s mission to foster lifelong learning, equity, and social transformation. Through initiatives like RESS, she advances the field’s understanding of how adult and continuing education principles can enrich teacher preparation, professional growth, and workforce development, further demonstrating how lifelong learning empowers educators to lead with purpose and innovation in a rapidly changing world.

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:01:00 GMT PIMA would like to invite authors to contribute to two special issues of the Bulletin https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=697371 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=697371 https://www.pimanetwork.com/).

PIMA members have an active interest in the different dimensions and contexts of lifelong, wide and deep learning in the interests of greater social, economic and ecological justice locally and globally. PIMA recognises the need for urgent and ‘out of the box’ thinking to address the contemporary local/global crises and issues.

The Association is an open, democratically managed, ethics-based network that conducts its affairs with commitments to equity and socio-ecological justice. It seeks to give effect to useful and constructive activities in pursuit of these values and commitments. It is open to anyone who shares these commitments. PIMA welcomes new colleagues into the PIMA network from any part of the world. You are invited to join without fee, please contact Dorothy Lucardie, Secretary, dorothy.lucardie@bigpond.com.au

PIMA would like to invite authors to contribute to two special issues of the Bulletin the planned for later in 2025. The first is on the topic of Higher Education and Adult Learning and Education (ALE) and the second is focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence in Lifelong Learning. If you are interested in contributing to these Bulletins or would like further information, please contact the PIMA Bulletin Editor Leslie Cordie, lesliecordie@auburn.edu.
]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:26:00 GMT Studies in the Education of Adults Journal https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=696730 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=696730 Resilience in Adult Education

Our adult ed colleagues from the Studies in the Education of Adults Journal have a call out for a special issue.  

Submit a Manuscript to the Journal Studies in the Education of Adults
For a Special Issue on Resilience in Adult Education

Abstract Deadline - June 30, 2025
Manuscript Deadline - May 31, 2026

Read more here.

]]> Sat, 22 Mar 2025 18:34:00 GMT Applications Open for 2025-26 Alexander N. Charters Adult Education https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=695556 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=695556 Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Syracuse University Libraries is accepting applications now through March 31, 2025 for the Alexander N. Charters Adult Education Grants-in-Aid program. The grant, up to $5,000 depending on the proposal, is awarded to scholars or practitioners doing research using SCRC’s adult education collections. Award decisions will be shared by April 30, 2025. Details on the application process are available on the Libraries’ website.
 
Alexander N. Charters (1916-2018) was an internationally recognized American expert in the field of adult and continuing education. Syracuse University Libraries has assembled historical documents and University records, including manuscript, print, visual and media materials related to adult education, since 1949.
 
This material is known collectively as the Alexander N. Charters Library for Educators of Adults, in recognition of Charters’ efforts to promote and expand SCRC’s adult education holdings. Through the generosity of Charters, SCRC offers annual grants to one or more scholars or practitioners wishing to do research using SCRC’s adult education collections with the amount of the award dependent on the scope of the research outlined in the applicant’s proposal.
 
About Special Collections Research Center and Syracuse University Libraries:
 
Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center collects, preserves and provides access to world-renowned rare and archival collections and encourages their use to facilitate personal discovery and the creation of new knowledge. SCRC’s collections span time and format and document the history of Syracuse University and our global society through unique printed material, manuscripts, photographs, audio and moving image recordings, University records and more. Located on the 6th floor of Bird Library, SCRC connects the campus community and wider public to collections through our services, exhibitions, hands-on classes and programming.
 
Syracuse University Libraries provides expertise, information and tools for students, faculty and staff, alumni and the community. With over 4.7 million titles of resources accessed by more than a million and half physical and online visits annually, the Libraries provides information services, responsive collections, knowledgeable staff and safe and accessible physical and digital spaces that encourage intellectual exploration. In so doing, the Libraries enable the creation of new knowledge, catalyze scholarly collaboration and cultural exchange and advance Syracuse University’s teaching, learning and research mission.
 
Syracuse University Libraries
Library.syracuse.edu]]> Fri, 7 Mar 2025 17:54:00 GMT CGS Director Lauren Vilen joins the Sustainability Leadership Fellow Program https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=675490 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=675490
As a changing climate continues to challenge us here in Colorado and beyond, creative solutions to multi-faceted problems are needed more now than ever 🌎
Lauren Vilen, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Education, will help develop interdisciplinary solutions and knowledge translation to address the climate crisis as a Sustainability Leadership Fellow in the coming academic year.
“Issues of sustainability touch all aspects of our lives, from food security to social equity, and are often interconnected, multifaceted, and without simple solutions,” Vilen said. "Education is a critical component of moving towards sustainability because, at its most fundamental level, learning is about creating opportunities for change.”
Vilen’s research addresses learning as both a response and solution to environmental issues – specifically how the science of adult learning can enhance the outcomes of community-based sustainability programs that support equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and positive social transformation.
Hosted by the School of Global Environmental Sustainability-, the interdisciplinary nature of the Sustainability Leadership Fellows program is foundational addressing complex climate challenges. “I firmly believe sustainability issues are too complex to be addressed through any one disciplinary lens, and this program gives me an opportunity to connect with others who value inter-professional collaboration and learning,” Vilen said.
Learn more about Vilen and the other fellows! 🔗➡ https://col.st/5rkVu
]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:42:00 GMT UIW Graduate Student and Professor Represent UIW at AAACE Annual Conference - Shared by UIW News https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=656271 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=656271 UIW Graduate Student and Professor Represent UIW at AAACE Annual Conference

October 20, 2023

shared by UIW News

 

This month, UIW community members from the Dreeben School of Education’s Graduate Studies program represented the University at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) Annual Conference. Dr. Lisa Brown, assistant professor of Programs in Adult Education, and Marissa Molina, doctoral student, traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to present their research, after receiving news that their presentation proposal was accepted. Their work centered around the topic of Using Twitter Spaces to Explore Reparations for Black American Descendants of U.S. Freedmen: Activism, Ethnicity, and Online Informal Adult Learning.

The AAACE is an organization that believes that lifelong learning can offer human fulfillment and positive social change. According to their website, they “envision a more humane world made possible by the diverse practice of our members in helping adults acquire the knowledge, skills and values needed to lead productive and satisfying lives.”

Read Full Article 

]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:52:00 GMT Dr. Lisa Brown receives ASALH Freedom Scholar Award from https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=646429 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=646429 AAACE member Dr. Lisa R. Brown was recently named recipient of the Freedom Scholar Award from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). ASALH was founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson to document the contributions of African Americans to American history.  The award will be presented in person at the 108th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida

Congratulations, Dr. Brown!

https://asalh.org/awards/freedom-scholar-award/

 

 

]]> Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:47:00 GMT Lisa Browne-Banici is the recipient of the 2023 Ernest O. Melby Fellowship https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=639755 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=639755 Congratulations to Lisa Browne-Banici on being the recipient of the 2023 Ernest O. Melby Fellowship from Florida Atlantic University. The Ernest O. Melby Fellowship Endowment is for Graduate students on the Adult & Community Education Leaders track. Lisa is currently getting her PhD studies on veterans at FAU.  

 
 
]]> Tue, 9 May 2023 11:06:00 GMT Lisa Merriweather receives the Alan Mitchell Mentoring Award https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=639074 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=639074

Congratulations to Lisa Merriweather who received the Alan Mitchell Mentoring Award at the Adult Higher Education Alliance conference in “recognition of excellence in scholarship in mentoring in adult and higher education.”

 

 

 
    ]]>     Mon, 1 May 2023 18:40:00 GMT     Latest issue of New Directions in Adult and Continuing Education https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=579965 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=579965 Mary Alfred and E. Paulette Isaac-Savage are happy to share the latest issue of New Directions in Adult and Continuing Education.

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360717/2021/2021/170



    ]]>     Tue, 14 Sep 2021 20:59:54 GMT     AAACE Members to Speak at 12th Asian Pre-conference at 2021 AEGT International Virtual Conference https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=567426 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=567426 12th Asian Pre-Conference Program   |   June 3, 2021
     
    12th Asian Pre-Conference in Conjunction With 2021 Adult Education In Global Times:
     
    An International Research Conference
     
    2021 AEGT Virtual Conference   |   June 3-6, 2021

    For More information, please visit:  https://edst.educ.ubc.ca/aegt2021/

     

    ]]>     Fri, 28 May 2021 03:33:04 GMT     The Adult Learner (Ninth Edition) Published https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=547443 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=547443 AAACE Member and 2020/2021 AAACE Conference Chair Dr. Petra A. Robinson Authors Ninth Edition of The Adult Learner

    How do you tailor education to the learning needs of adults? Do they learn differently from children? How does their life experience inform their learning processes? These were the questions at the heart of Malcolm Knowles’ pioneering theory of andragogy which transformed education theory in the 1970s. The resulting principles of a self-directed, experiential, problem-centred approach to learning have been hugely influential and are still the basis of the learning practices we use today.

    Understanding these principles is the cornerstone of increasing motivation and enabling adult learners to achieve. The 9th edition of The Adult Learner has been revised to include:
    • Updates to the book to reflect the very latest advancements in the field.
    • The addition of two new chapters on diversity and inclusion in adult learning, and andragogy and the online adult learner.
    • An updated supporting website. This website for the 9th edition of The Adult Learner will provide basic instructor aids. For each chapter, there will be a PowerPoint presentation, learning exercises, and added study questions.
    • Revisions throughout to make it more readable and relevant to your practices.
    If you are a researcher, practitioner, or student in education, an adult learning practitioner, training manager, or involved in human resource development, this is the definitive book in adult learning you should not be without.

    More Information
    ]]>     Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:14:10 GMT     Facilitating Adult & Organizational Learning Through Andragogy: A History,Philosophy, & Major Themes https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=546990 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=546990 Since Knowles popularized "andragogy" in North America in the 1970's, no scholars have published books to promote andragogy. His doctoral student, Dr. Henschke, has published a groundbreaking book promoting andragogy. See links below for more information.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht5G_a_Pypk

    ]]>     Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:45:49 GMT     The Adult Learner: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development (9th ed. https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=546989 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=546989 By Malcolm S. Knowles, Elwood F. Holton III, Richard A. Swanson, and Petra A. Robinson

    Malcolm Knowles’ pioneering work in the field of andragogy continues to be the basis of learning theory and practice we use in adult education today. The Adult Learner, first published in 1973, embodies the idea of andragogy and includes theoretical principles as well as practical guidelines, making it a required reading for anyone interested in how adults learn. This primer has seen its ninth edition published in 2020, revised to address the very latest advancements in the field, including two new chapters on diversity and inclusion in adult learning, and andragogy and the online adult learner. The revisions in the ninth edition were guided by the idea to make the book even more readable and relevant to contemporary practice.

    This book is a definitive classic and a must-have for researchers, practitioners, students, training managers, and others involved in adult education and human resource development. It is available via Routledge, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.

    The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education congratulates Chair of the 2020 and 2021 conferences, Dr. Petra A. Robinson, on this publication.

    ]]>     Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:41:05 GMT     M. Cecil Smith Named Dean of SIU's new School of Education https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=509237 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=509237
    CARBONDALE, Ill. — M Cecil Smith will become the dean of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s reorganized School of Education on July 13 pending approval of the SIU Board of Trustees.

    Smith is currently graduate program coordinator and professor in the Department of Learning Sciences and Human Development within the College of Education and Human Services at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia.

    Meera Komarraju, SIU’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, says Smith brings deep experience to the position.

    “Our students, faculty and staff will benefit from his extensive teaching, administrative and research experience in the field of education,” she said. “His expertise, experience at two different universities, collaborative synergy and focus on student success will ensure that we continue preparing excellent teachers.”

    Extensive experience

    Smith served as associate dean for research and graduate education at West Virginia from 2013 to 2018 before assuming his current position with the university.

    His new position at SIU marks a return to Illinois. Between 1988 and 2013, Smith held various positions at Northern Illinois University, beginning as an assistant professor in educational psychology, counseling and special education. He subsequently served as a faculty associate in gerontology, fellow in the Social Science Research Institute, associate professor and professor. He also served as acting co-director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Language and Literacy at NIU.

    During those years, Smith said he became familiar with SIU and its academic reputation through family members and colleagues who are alumni or who have worked at the university. Now, he is very eager to be dean of the School of Education during the reorganization transition.

    “I am delighted to be asked to serve as the first dean for the new School of Education,” Smith said. “I thank interim Chancellor Dunn and Provost Komarraju for placing their trust in me to lead the School—particularly during this very difficult time,” he said. “I am eager to work with the School of Education leadership team, faculty, and staff to help our students to be safe and healthy. As we do so, we will ensure that they receive a rigorous education that prepares them for careers and lifelong learning opportunities with the ability to thoughtfully participate in our democratic society.”

    Leadership vision

    Smith has a strong record as a researcher and has launched academic centers. He said he has been successful in working collaboratively with faculty, students and staff, both as a faculty member and administrator. He added that he is eager to continue to work in unison with others at SIU to position the university as a leader in the field of education.

    “This is my vision, my mantra for SIU’s School of Education: ‘Always learning, always leading,’” Smith said. “My goal is to work with the faculty and staff to assure we have a high-quality, rigorous program and that we position SIU as THE leading school for students who want to obtain a teaching degree.”

    Smith said he also wants to revitalize and enhance the school’s existing community partnerships and establish new relationships.

    First-generation scholar

    Smith has something in common with many SIU students.

    “I was a first-generation college student, and I appreciate that many students at SIU Carbondale are also the first in their families to attend college,” he said. “As my college education opened new pathways for me that led to countless opportunities for growth, I am confident that the same will hold true for our students.”

    Smith completed his doctorate in educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also holds a master’s degree in post-secondary/agency counseling with emphasis in adult development from the University of Kansas in Lawrence and a bachelor’s in education – English/secondary from Wichita State University.

    Smith’s research work, particularly in the areas of adult learning, literacy and continuing education, has been extensively published.

    “I’m very eager to get to campus and I look forward to working with the faculty and staff, launching new initiatives, revitalizing programs and welcoming students back in the fall,” Smith said.]]>     Fri, 22 May 2020 20:59:23 GMT     Petra Robinson Named Director for Faculty Affairs & Professional Development at LSU https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=505793 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=505793

    “These positions are the realization of the strategic priorities I developed as dean of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education,” said Dean Roland Mitchell. “As a college, we are committed to expanding our leadership role in developing and delivering new online programs, proactively recruiting and serving a more diverse faculty and student population, and focusing on training and develop to retain the best faculty and staff in the nation and the world.”

    Among the changes, Petra Robinson has been named Director for Faculty Affairs & Professional Development. Robinson is an associate professor in the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development.

    “Per our mission, the College of Human Sciences & Education continues to educate students who are dedicated to improving quality of human life across the lifespan. A critical element in fulfilling that mission is to recruit and retain a highly qualified, talented, and diverse population of faculty and staff,” said Mitchell. “As dean, it is a top priority to provide support in the areas of faculty recruitment, retention, success and governance.”

    In this new role for the college, Robinson will assist with faculty recruitment, reviewing position descriptions to be used in the search process, monitor strategic faculty recruitment goals and targets, collaborate to prepare information packets regarding promotion and tenure, and work with college leadership to identify their strategic faculty recruitment. She will also oversee and implement the new faculty success program. Robinson will provide leadership for designing, implementing, and assessing staff development. 

    Dr. Robinson is serving as the Conference Chair for the 2020 AAACE Annual Conference.

    (Click here to read full press release from LSU College of Human Sciences and Education)

    ]]>     Wed, 6 May 2020 01:08:08 GMT     Adult Education - Why AAACE https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=396766 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=396766 Adult Education  - Why AAACE

    Leslie Cordie, PhD from Auburn University recently sat down with Len Bogner, EdD, University of Central Okahoma to discuss her path to adult education and the importance it plays in the lives of so many individuals. Click here to watch this enlightening message.

    ]]>     Mon, 16 Apr 2018 21:05:09 GMT     Alexander N. Charters Resource Library for Educators of Adults at Syracuse University https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=306028 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=306028 To: All Educators of Adults

    It’s my pleasure to share with each of you news regarding the Alexander N. Charters Library of Resources for Educators of Adults at Syracuse University. However first, I have to again acknowledge and honor Dr Charters on the occasion of his 100th birthday yesterday, August 22, 2016.

    It is my honor as well to reintroduce you to the Charters Library of Resources for Educators of Adults as a robust and active source of information for all practitioners in the field of Adult Education. The Charters Library of Resources can be accessed via the following link from around the world:

    http://library.syr.edu/find/scrc/collections/subjects/adult-and-continuing-ed.php

    New features of the Charters Library of Resources include an updated and redesigned website as well as expanded newly expanded finding aids for the nearly 100 collections that currently make up the Adult Ed collections. Alex Charter’s own collection of papers, 200 boxes worth, are now completely processed and available for use. The link to a list of the collections in the Charters Library of Resources is:

    http://library.syr.edu/digital/guides/ead/subj_list_from_db.htm#adult_ed

    For more information, please contact either Lucy Mulroney, Senior Director for Special Collections, Syracuse University Libraries, at ldmulron@syr.edu, or Michele Combs, Librarian and Lead Archivist at mrrothen@syr.edu.

    Thank you for your continued support and interest in the Charters Library of Resource for Educators of Adults.

    David Seaman
    Dean of Libraries and University Librarian

    Ronald L. Thiele
    Assistant Dean for Advancement for Syracuse University Libraries

    ]]>     Thu, 1 Sep 2016 14:17:46 GMT     Steve Gillion - Huffington Post https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=268402 https://www.aaace.org/news/news.asp?id=268402 here.]]> Thu, 7 Jan 2016 17:43:10 GMT