The Feinstein College of Education is going global! In this issue of Educators & Innovators, we share our international collaborations in Germany and the Dominican Republic where faculty, staff, and students had opportunities to explore comparative education as well as local history and culture. With our focus on the interconnectedness across nations, our faculty designed a new minor in Global Studies in Education. Open to all URI students, regardless of major, the minor addresses comparative theories of education through a lens of equity and social justice.

In this issue we also introduce you to an accomplished alumnus, a rising star student, and a master’s student that returned to complete his degree after a 25+ year hiatus. Retired Superintendent, Mike Welch (’89) was honored with the 2023 College of Education Distinguished Achievement Award. We interviewed Mike to learn more about his experiences as an educator through the stages of his career. We then highlight Noelani Perez (’24) who was named the SHAPE America—Society of Health and Physical Educators Major of the Year, and Matt Wardle (’95, ’23) who was one class short of his master’s degree when he left URI to take a job with the federal government, and in 2023, he completed his degree in College Student Personnel.

A highlight of the Spring ‘24 semester was the Year of Education Distinguished Speaker Series talk given by URI alumnus Dr. Wilson Okello (MS ’12). Dr. Okello combines his scholarship with spoken word to share his pursuit toward liberatory praxis.

In yet another point of pride for the College of Education, Professor Julie Coiro was recently named to Stanford’s Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide list for her research in the field of literacy. While the prestige of this award is in the name, it is a true testament to Dr. Coiro’s scholarly contributions throughout her career.

We also celebrate assistant professor Lazaro Camacho being named to the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) Faculty Fellowship Program.