College of Education Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, Reflecting on the 2025-26 Academic Year, I am amazed by both the momentous challenges we've faced and the unmistakable resilience we've shown. The challenges have been all too real. At the state level, we've faced budget cuts that limit our financial flexibility. At the federal level, we've continued to navigate ever-changing priorities and policies that have hampered our research enterprise. And yet, our dedication remains. Our reputation continues to rise, as evidenced by our highest-ever national ranking (#41) from U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty researchers continue to advance knowledge that will improve policies and outcomes. And in May, we celebrated more than 1,500 bachelor's, credential, master's, and doctoral graduates who are now making their way in a world that desperately needs helpers. Thank you for the part you played in these successes. Your gifts to the College of Education—whether they go to support faculty researchers, individual departments or programs, or student scholarships— make our resilience possible.
Y. Barry Chung, Ph.D. Dean
Year in Giving By the Numbers | Fiscal Year 2025-26
$9.15M EDU Total Raised
$334,099
EDU Scholarship Awards
210 EDU Scholarships Awarded
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Lu Family Collaboration Hub Endowment Support through the Lu Family Collaboration Hub Endowment is creating a lasting impact by investing in the people and spaces that strengthen education and community. The endowment supports the Dean’s Excellence Fund, providing flexible resources to address emerging priorities and advance the college’s mission. In recognition, COE’s Collaboration Hub in Lamden Hall, a state-of-the-art space for meetings, workshops, mini-conferences, receptions, and small gatherings that opened in 2024, will henceforth be known as the Lu Family Collaboration Hub, becoming the first named space in the college. Alice Theresa Means Endowed Scholarship The Alice Theresa Means Endowed Scholarship was established through a transformative gift for students in the College of Education, helping reduce financial barriers for College of Education students and allowing them to focus on their studies, complete their degrees, and pursue careers dedicated to serving others. Through this legacy gift, future generations of SDSU students will be empowered to carry forward a commitment to education, leadership, and community impact. Barbara White Slyker Endowed Scholarship for Education The Barbara White Slyker Endowed Scholarship for Education provides scholarship support to upperdivision, teaching credential and graduate students in the College of Education who are preparing to become future teachers. By easing financial barriers, the fund allows College of Education students to focus on their academic and professional preparation while advancing SDSU’s mission of developing skilled, compassionate and community-minded educators. Through this investment, future teachers will be empowered to create meaningful and lasting impact in classrooms and communities for years to come.
Charles Lu in front of Hepner Hall
Theresa McCune and her partner, Donald, posed next to the Koester Memorial Sundial near Hepner Hall.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Billy Carter, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Education Major: Leadership Studies
Billy Carter, recipient of the 2026 Zahn Spirit of Innovation Award, overcame self-doubt and financial challenges to return to SDSU and pursue his degree in leadership studies. After stepping away from school in 2017, Carter built a successful concierge business, Celebrity Concierge, creating customized travel experiences for celebrity clients. Encouraged by mentors and inspired by the SDSU community, he returned to campus seven years later, determined to finish his degree and grow his business through the Zahn Innovation Platform Launchpad. Carter credits SDSU faculty and mentors with helping him overcome impostor syndrome and recognize his potential as an entrepreneur and leader. Today, he serves as an example of resilience, perseverance, and innovation, using his experiences to inspire other students to pursue their goals despite obstacles.
“
Carter credits SDSU faculty and mentors with helping him overcome impostor syndrome and recognize his potential as an entrepreneur and leader.
”
Student Spotlight
Alanis Vargas Trinidad, Anticipated Class Year Undecided Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Education Major: Teaching - Elementary Education
As a recipient of the Student Difference Makers program, Alanis Trinidad conducted a research project from August 2025 through May 2026 titled Teacher’s Practices of Funds of Knowledge: Supporting Elementary Students in a Rural Borderland Community. Her study explored how educators can incorporate students’ cultural knowledge, experiences, and community assets into classroom instruction to foster more inclusive learning environments. Program funding supported participant incentives, travel, data analysis software, and research materials. During the project, Trinidad conducted teacher interviews, analyzed data with her faculty mentor, and presented her work at the San Diego State University Symposium in February. Reflecting on the experience, she shared that it was “great speaking to everyone, answering questions, and getting feedback.” Trinidad’s research aims to provide practical strategies for educators serving culturally and linguistically diverse students while advancing more equitable and inclusive teaching practices.
“
Trinidad’s research aims to provide practical strategies for educators serving culturally and linguistically diverse students while advancing more equitable and inclusive teaching practices.
”
Student Spotlight
Delaney Dougher, Class of 2026 Class Level: Graduate Student College: College of Education Major: Administration, Rehabilitation and Post Secondary Education
Delaney Dougher, a 2026 Outstanding Graduate in SDSU’s rehabilitation counseling master’s program and recipient of the John D. Chamley Memorial Scholarship, has combined a deep personal connection to education with a passion for disability justice and advocacy. While working in assistive technology at a community college in San Diego for the past eight years, Dougher found fulfillment in helping students discover their own paths and opportunities for success. At SDSU, Dougher expanded their knowledge of disability systems, counseling theory, and advocacy through the rehabilitation counseling program. They credited Associate Professor Toni Saia as a major influence, sharing that Saia’s passion for advocacy and disability justice deeply resonated with them and helped shape their experience in the program. Dougher also valued the strong sense of community within their cohort, noting that the supportive and collaborative environment inspired excitement for their future work in postsecondary education and disability services.
“
At SDSU, Dougher expanded their knowledge of disability systems, counseling theory, and advocacy through the rehabilitation counseling program.
”
Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Current Rankings The SDSU College of Education moved up four spots to No. 41 in the nation for Best Graduate Education Programs. Online Education Master’s Programs ranked No. 5. Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction ranked No. 10. Statistics of Interest Over the past five years, faculty have secured more than $110 million in contracts and grants supporting research, innovation, and community impact. The College improved its four-year graduation rate for first-year students from 52.2% to 75.1% over the past decade. The College’s six-year graduation rate increased from 75.7% to 86.8%. Recent Highlights Launched several new academic offerings for Fall 2026, including minors in bilingual education and American Sign Language studies, a dual credential pathway in elementary and special education, and an advanced certificate in bilingual school psychology. The Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education launched CARPE D.I.E.M., a CSUfunded initiative providing culturally relevant data science curriculum and professional development opportunities for elementary educators in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The College continues to expand its research enterprise, with faculty securing more than $124 million in grants and contracts over the past five years to support innovation, community partnerships, and student success. SDSU’s Student Difference Makers Research Support Program continues to fund student-led research projects focused on addressing real-world challenges in education, counseling, and leadership.
Rankings
No. 41 nationally for Best Graduate Education Programs, plus No. 5 for Online Ed Master’s, and No. 10 for Online Curriculum & Instruction.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Transforming Lives Bonnie Kraemer, Ph.D., BCBA-D Title: Department Chair & Professor, Department of Special Education College: College of Education
Achievements: Dr. Bonnie Kraemer was named the College of Education’s 2025 recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions for her leadership in special education, autism research, and mentoring future educators. Professor Kraemer has spent more than 20 years shaping the future of special education at SDSU through her leadership, mentorship, and research. As chair of the Department of Special Education and recipient of the College of Education’s 2025 Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions, Kraemer has helped expand programs supporting students with disabilities and future educators across San Diego County. She has secured federal training grants, mentored credential and master’s students, and contributed to innovative autism research through Project EXPRESS, a federally funded partnership supporting middle school students with autism. Kraemer’s impact extends beyond the classroom, with leadership roles in the University Senate and College of Education Policy Council. Inspired by her early experiences as a special education teacher, she remains dedicated to improving inclusion, community access, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“
Inspired by her early experiences as a special education teacher, she remains dedicated to improving inclusion, community access, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
”
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Toni Saia, Ph.D. Title: Associate Professor, Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education College: College of Education
Achievements: Dr. Toni Saia received the 2025 Research Award from the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) for scholarship advancing disability identity, accessibility, and equity in rehabilitation counseling and higher education. Associate Professor Toni Saia of the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) was honored with the 2025 Research Award from the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES), recognizing her outstanding contributions to disability scholarship and rehabilitation counseling research. As a disabled scholar, Saia views the award not only as a personal achievement but as recognition of the broader disability community and the importance of elevating disabled voices in research and leadership. Saia’s research challenges traditional views of disability by emphasizing disability as a culture, identity, and community rather than a condition to be fixed. Her work explores topics such as disability identity, societal stigma, accessibility, and the experiences of disabled students in higher education. Through her scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, she is helping prepare future rehabilitation counselors to create a more equitable and anti-ableist society. Support from donors helps faculty like Dr. Saia pursue impactful research, mentor future leaders, and advance innovative scholarship that creates meaningful change for individuals and communities.
“
Through her scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, she is helping prepare future rehabilitation counselors to create a more equitable and anti-ableist society.
”
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Brittany L. Marshall, Ph.D. Title: Assistant Professor, Mathematics Education College: College of Education
Achievements: Dr. Brittany L. Marshall helped launch a CSU-funded initiative bringing culturally relevant data science curriculum to elementary schools while expanding SDSU’s teacher education programs through international teaching in Palau. Assistant Professor Marshall is advancing equitable mathematics education through innovative teaching, research, and community partnerships. As part of SDSU’s Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, Marshall and colleagues launched CARPE D.I.E.M., a CSU-funded initiative bringing culturally relevant data science curriculum and professional development opportunities to elementary educators in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Her work focuses on helping students connect math and data to their own communities while creating more inclusive learning environments for historically underserved students. Marshall also expanded SDSU’s global impact by teaching in Palau through the university’s Interwork Institute bachelor’s degree program. During her time abroad, she worked with adult learners pursuing degrees across multiple disciplines and explored how traditional mathematics instruction can unintentionally exclude students. Her experiences in Palau further informed her research on disrupting barriers in math education and fostering belonging in learning spaces. Through her teaching and advocacy, Marshall continues to empower future educators and students both locally and internationally.
“
Through her teaching and advocacy, Marshall continues to empower future educators and students both locally and internationally.
”
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations New Endowments Barbara White Slyker Scholarship Endowment for Education Creative Support Alternatives Endowment Dr. Howard S. Rubenstein Legacy Endowment Future Educator Scholarship Endowment Jennifer Vattuone Scholarship Endowment Lu Family Collaboration Hub Endowment
Endowments (Active) Amber Christine Soule Endowment ARPE Emeriti Endowed Scholarship: Disability Research Barbara Erickson Sisk Endowed Scholarship Ben Ziri #218 Endowed Scholarship Betsey Biondo Student Teacher Endowed Scholarship Brydegaard Faculty Development Endowment Catherine Y. Lodge Endowment Center for Critical Thinking Endowment Cheng Endowment Cheryl L. and James F. Mason Endowed Scholarship Chinese Cultural Center Endowment Davene Gibson Endowed Scholarship Dennis and Elaine G. Szeto Scholarship in Education Endowment Dr. Alfred Merino Memorial Scholarship Endowment Dr. Christianna Alger Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dr. Ed Reed Endowed Scholarship Dr. Samuel M. Ciccati Endowed Scholarship Drs. Alberto Ochoa and Maria Elena Ochoa Endowed Scholarship Educational Leadership Endowment Erma Woike Staff Development Endowment Foelber Family Scholarship Endowment Georgia Stooke Endowment Gertrude Bell Endowed Scholarship Global Health Legacy Endowed Scholarship Gordon Thompson Endowment Halfaker Memorial Endowment
Helen and Charles Rappe Teaching Excellence Endowed Scholarship ISMA-Qualcomm Endowment Janet Sinegal Endowed Scholarship Janet Sloan Breece Memorial Endowed Scholarship Jeanne Mendoza Collaboration Endowment Jim and Scotty Dietz Scholarship Endowment Joe & Betty Suozzo Education Endowed Scholarship John D. Chamley Memorial Scholarship John Tucker Endowment Scholarship Josh A. Comay Endowed Scholarship in Child Development Judy James Memorial Endowed Scholarship Kurt Friedrich Memorial Endowment LaPray/Schmock Endowed Scholarship Lawrence and Opal Maletta Special Education Teachers Scholarship Endowment Leonard Sherr Memorial Endowed Scholarship Leslee K. Teincuff Memorial Endowed Scholarship Liz and Simon McAllister Endowed Teaching Scholarship Endowment Margaret “Robin” Murphy Memorial Endowed Scholarship Marian K. Van Kirk Scholarship Endowed Scholarship Mary Alys Skulavik and Vera Jo Skulavik Endowed Scholarship Mary Catherine Martinez Endowed Scholarship Mary Donaldson Endowed Scholarship Mary Magdalena Carrillo Mejia Scholarship Endowment Marylinn J. Metzke Endowed Scholarship Maus Faculty Development Endowment Miriam Paine Memorial Endowed Scholarship Mission Federal Credit Union Endowment Monica Murphy Endowed Fund NCUST-Qualcomm Endowment Park Family Endowed Executive Director for the Institute for Transformative Education Patricia Calhoun Endowed Scholarship Peggy Hawley Endowed Scholarship
To learn more, please contact Megan Beardsley at mbeardsley@sdsu.edu
Endowments
Empowering Aztecs for Generations Endowments (Active) Continued Amber Christine Soule Endowment Pellettiri Memorial Endowed Scholarship Ray Letsinger Endowed Scholarship Richard Servey Endowed Scholarship Russ and Judy James Endowed Scholarship Samuel M. and Kristine J. Ciccati Scholarship Endowment Santa Cruz Family Endowment Doctoral Sawyer C. Hsu Endowment Shelley Bergum Higher Education Scholarship Endowment Simmons Family Endowed Scholarship Tom and Audrey Pine Literacy Center Endowment Vera Einstein Endowed Scholarship Virginia P. Uline Endowed Scholarship Wilson Faculty Development Endowment
To learn more, please contact Megan Beardsley at mbeardsley@sdsu.edu
Thank you for your generous support.
University Relations and Development San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8045 sdsu.edu | give.sdsu.edu