December 2025
Eight USU College of Education and Human Services Scholars Ranked in the Top Two Percent of Global Researchers
Elsevier Research, a research and global technology company, works with universities around the world to gather and share important research discoveries. Based on Elsevier’s analysis, in 2024, eight faculty members from the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services were among the top two percent of researchers in their fields. “We are thrilled to celebrate the eight CEHS faculty members who have been recognized among the top two percent of scholars worldwide in 2024,” said Shawn Whiteman, interim dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. “I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for elevating our entire academic community.”
Research & News
NIH Grant Supports Speech and Hearing Sciences Professor Goal to Change the Conversation for Autistic Teens
Camille Wynn, assistant professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at USU, has received a grant from the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders within the National Institutes of Health. Her team will analyze speech coordination patterns to understand what makes conversations successful among autistic and neurotypical teens. Wynn’s goal is to find ways to make conversation easier and more meaningful for both groups.
Innovative Online Practical Teacher Training Program Helps Combat Special Education Teacher Shortage in Utah
In response to Utah’s persistent shortage of qualified teachers in special education, the Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department at USU created the Online Practical Teacher Training (OPTT) program in 2019. OPTT is designed to provide a pathway for individuals to gain the necessary training and credentials while actively serving in the classroom. To date, the program has produced 188 licensed teachers with bachelor’s degrees in special education.
USU Associate Dean Sylvia Read Appointed to WestEd Board of Directors
Sylvia Read, Ph.D., has been appointed to the Board of Directors of WestEd, a nonpartisan research and development agency focused on improving education and human development. Read’s appointment represents the continuation of a career-long commitment to broadening educational opportunity. “I want to improve the education landscape for everyone, across the lifespan and regardless of circumstance or background,” said Read. “WestEd’s values and mission align closely with the work I’ve always believed in.”
USU’s TRECI Team Strengthens Organizational Impact Through Better Data and Evaluation Services
The Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice recently announced the creation of the Tailored Research, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement (TRECI) team within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. TRECI is a combined consulting and program services group that designs and carries out effective research, evaluation, and quality improvement work. The team of Ph.D.-level professionals partner with project leaders, faculty, nonprofits, and governmental and non-governmental organizations throughout the country.
College of Education and Human Services Professor and NRMERA Conference Keynote Speaker Presents Research on Hope in Education
Suzanne Jones, Ph.D., professor in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at USU was honored to present a keynote address at the Northern Rocky Mountain Education Researchers Association conference in October. Jones highlighted foundational theories of hope as a motivational element of learning. She also examined the latest research on how collective classroom efficacy engenders educational hope.
