Ann Herd named 2017 Nystrand-Offutt Scholar

University of Louisville assistant professor Ann Herd has been named the 2017 Nystrand-Offutt Scholar at UofL’s Nystrand Center for Educational Excellence.

The annual award funds junior faculty research projects that relate to reforming education through collaborative efforts. Scholars then present their findings at a national conference.

Herd, an assistant professor at UofL’s Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development, will use the award to conduct research on the experiences of veterans and their employers during the transition back into the civilian workforce.  

 “Veterans are often a neglected group, particularly when they go back to school,” Herd said. “This research project will help us better understand the needs of these potential students, as well as their potential employers.”

The Nystrand-Offutt Scholar is supported by adopted alumna Nancy Stablein and her husband George through the Offutt funds named for Nancy’s parents. It also bears the name of Ray Nystrand, who served as Dean of the College of Education from 1978 until his death in 1999. To honor his work and memory, the Stableins donated the funds to the university to support scholarship that aligns with his vision of collaborative transformation.

“The award supports the scholarship of early-career faculty by funding their research and releasing them from teaching one course,” said CEHD Dean Ann Larson. “This gives them a big leg up in getting promotions and tenure.”