Rios wins major AERA scholar award

   The spotlight shone brightly on University of Wyoming educational studies professor Francisco Rios during two major events at annual the American Educational Research Association (AERA), as the organizations 2008 Scholars of Color Distinguished Scholar Award recipient.

This award recognizes mid-career scholars who have made significant contributions to the understanding of issues which disproportionately affect minority populations and/or minority scholars who have made a significant contribution to educational research and development. AERA is the premier national educational research association.

Members of the AERA honored Rios at two major events: the Committee on Scholars of Color Awards and Early Bird Reception on March 25, at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers; and the association-wide 2008 Awards Presentation and Presidential Address on March 26, at the Hilton New York.

" I am proud and honored by this award," Rios says. "To be honored by one's peers, especially by those whose own work I admire, is even more humbling. We never go into the profession for any accolades that might be received (and in education, there are way too few). Rather we often do so because we want to have a positive impact on the lives of others. As an educational researcher, I take this as one such recognition of the impact of my work. But to be honored by scholars of color, those who share a common commitment and passion, is all the more satisfying. "

"Dr. Rios clearly deserves this honor," College of Education Dean Patricia McClurg says. "His scholarship significantly influences the national/international community examining and advancing the knowledge base in multicultural education, bilingual education and second language learning. Published and presented in prestigious journals and forums including Review of Educational Research and Teacher Education Quarterly, Dr. Rios' work informs educators' understanding of learning and teaching. His studies investigating recruitment and retention of ethnic minority teachers address a nationally identified crisis."

Rios also is founding director of the UW Center for Social Justice Research.

Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008