Professor Mimi Recker Receives Prestigious ISLS Fellowship

Professor Mimi Recker from the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences (ITLS) has been inducted as a fellow in the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS), an international and interdisciplinary organization for academics, professionals, and students.

For the past 30 years, the ISLS Fellows program has recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of learning sciences. These scholars advance both the science and practice of learning and development.

“Every year the ISLS recognizes individuals who have made broad and deep contributions over their careers,” Recker said. “It’s an honor to be the first professor from USU to be elected.”

ISLS as a professional society that brings together people who study how people learn and how collaboration and learning can be supported by knowledge, tools, networks, and social structures.

“Mimi is the last person to seek out this kind of recognition. She is a prolific scholar and a supportive, active mentor of graduate students, postdocs, and early-career colleagues,” said Andrew Walker, ITLS department head. “Her research is lauded not just by the scholarly community, but she has also been invited to present to federal policymakers on Capitol Hill. She gives generously of her time and expertise, serving everywhere from our department to academic journals to international and national organizations.”

Recker, who recently celebrated 26 years as a USU faculty member, takes pride in her work as a researcher, instructor, and faculty advisor to doctoral students. She recently graduated her 25th research graduate student. “It’s been a tremendous privilege to support all of these students and to see them become successful professionals,” said Recker.

ITLS Associate Professor Deborah Fields praised Recker’s impact as a mentor and scholar. “Mimi is an exceptional research mentor for both students and faculty,” she said. “I feel so lucky to have experienced her mentorship during my time at USU. She’s had a huge impact on our department as well as the university as a whole.”

In addition to her work as a researcher and instructor, Recker also served as ITLS department head for eight years. “What a wonderful honor to have served at USU my entire career,” she said. “I’ve witnessed the growth of the institution from more of a regional university to achieving R1 status.”

Recker welcomes change and new advancements in technology, teaching, collaboration, and opportunities. “It’ll be interesting to see, with all the changes and a new administration, to what extent we’ll continue to draw international students,” Recker said. “We adapt. I’m teaching a class this semester that’s fully online, and many of the students are from around the United States who chose to take classes at Utah State University.”

Whether teaching in the classroom, mentoring graduate students, or collecting data in K–12 educational settings, Recker believes that it’s the experience that matters most. “The ability to be surrounded by people—young or middle-aged—who are driven by inquiry and a desire to learn has been special,” she said. “It’s not a path for everyone, but it’s one that I’ve enjoyed, particularly being at Utah State and watching this university grow and evolve.”