April 2026
National Rankings Recognize USU for Education Programs
U.S. News and World Report is among the country’s most recognized leaders in educational rankings. Its recently released 2026 rankings highlight the consistent quality of offerings from the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU.
- #1 in the State of Utah in education for graduate studies for 26 consecutive years
- #2 in the Intermountain West for best graduate college of education
- #13 in the nation in extramural funding
- #30 in graduate colleges of education among public institutions of higher education
“Our many accomplishments and sustained community impact owe to the efforts of our world-leading faculty, deeply committed staff, and highly talented students. We are proud to shape the next generation of education, health, and human services leaders,” said Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Dean Al Smith.
The rankings follow a competitive screening process of more than 255 universities. Highly ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on student-instructor access, graduation rates, and instructor credentials. They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial support as well as research funding.
Research & News
Professors Honored at USU’s Faculty Awards Ceremony
Faculty in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education of Human Services were recently honored for their exceptional contributions and service at the 2026 University Faculty Awards. Ronald Gillam, Ph.D., Raymond and Eloise Lilywhite Endowed Chair and professor of speech-language pathology in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, received the Cazier Lifetime Achievement Award. Melanie Domenech Rodríguez, Ph.D., professor in the combined clinical/counseling specialization in the Department of Psychology, received the Faculty University Service Award.
CEHS Celebrates Department Valedictorians for 2025-26 Academic Year
Valedictorians across USU are being recognized this month for the 2025-26 commencement and convocation ceremonies. These individuals have been selected for their overall academic excellence for the duration of their undergraduate studies. Within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, eight valedictorians—one to represent each department in the college—received the distinguished recognition for this academic year.
Record Number of CEHS Students Graduate from University Honors Program
The University Honors Program has announced the largest number of honors graduates ever from the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services for the 2025-26 academic year. The program cultivates a sense of connection and purpose for students while supporting them as they develop into thoughtful, engaged leaders. Students are connected with faculty, professionals, and community mentors through research, creative, and service-focused projects.
ECHO Network at USU Addresses Substance Use Disorder and Stigma Across Utah
Now in its third year, the Time to Act ECHO: Substance Use network has worked with service providers in 25 Utah counties and reached participants in 19 other states. The program brings people together online to share ideas and learn from experts, helping Utah communities have critical conversations about substance use disorder, especially in the rural areas that need it most.
Children’s Programs at USU Celebrate Week of the Young Child
USU celebrated its robust early childhood programs in April by observing the Week of the Young Child, a program of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which promotes high-quality early learning for children from birth to age eight. The event has been celebrated since the early 1970s across the country in childcare centers, preschools, and other early childhood education facilities. Festivities at USU culminated in a parade on the Logan campus.
Upcoming Events
| 2026 CEHS Graduation | ||||||
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| Learn more at www.usu.edu/commencement. | ||||||
| USU Brain Health Fair |
| Enriching Lives Through Healthier Minds |
| Saturday, June 13 | 10 AM – 4 PM Sorenson Legacy Center for Clinical Excellence USU Logan campus |
| The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services is hosting its first annual Brain Health Fair focused on promoting brain health and wellbeing as well as Alzheimer’s Disease awareness and prevention. The fair will feature community partners and USU faculty who have expertise in psychology, aging, neuroscience, balance, hearing, and more. Beth Fauth, Ph.D., director of the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Resource Center, and Dr. Landon Watts, gerontologist for Intermountain Health, will host a panel discussion. |
| This event is open to the public and free of charge. |
