The College of Education (COE) drives tangible impact across schools and communities through evidence-based practices and the innovative use of technology. Lehigh’s forward-thinking approach produces leaders in educational effectiveness and mental health.
Robin Hojnoski, professor of school psychology, became dean of the college on July 1, 2026. Hojnoski brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the School Psychology program and College of Education, where she most recently served as acting dean and associate dean of graduate education. She also led the development of the college’s fully online degree and certificate programs.
For Hojnoski, the strengths of the college’s students and faculty and the meaningful work they do shape her goals as dean. She will work to accelerate the translation of research in ways that are accessible to wider audiences to increase its impact; engage new audiences in interdisciplinary programming; and create a stronger College of Education network that includes community partners, alumni, and others who support the college’s mission.
With so much new work on the horizon, you might have missed a few things. So here are the top five things you might not know — but should:
Its community-centered approach meets the needs of real-world learners. From autism services and special education to school-based mental health to educational technology and leadership, the COE partners directly with schools and community organizations to improve educational outcomes. Lehigh-led community initiatives such as Lehigh University Autism Services, the Centennial School of Lehigh University, and the Community Voices Clinic provide unparalleled opportunities to engage in real-life learning. Lehigh University Autism Services and the Centennial School adopt best practices in special education and supporting neurodiverse individuals. The Community Voices Clinic provides multi-culturally competent therapy services within three Bethlehem-area elementary schools, reflecting the college’s commitment to social justice. Lehigh’s COE students, faculty, and staff collaborate with diverse communities locally and across the globe.
Lehigh students are encouraged to reach more broadly and explore new approaches through research-based practice and the creative integration of new technologies. By understanding how students learn, they apply best practices and the latest tools to improve learning outcomes. New technologies, such as those employed by the Centennial School, create opportunities to approach learning differently.
The Immersive Learning Center at Centennial Lab School allows students to “step inside” their lessons through 360 photos and videos. Cross disciplinary collaboration prepares graduates for today’s schools. The COE believes students, families, and schools thrive when educators work together to advance evidence-based practices that enhance school effectiveness.
As the only institution in the region that trains teachers, school counselors, educational leaders, and school psychologists, it is uniquely positioned to offer cross-disciplinary experiences. COE graduates do more than excel in their individual fields; they learn to work as a team to drive systems-level change, support families, and promote both academic achievement and social-emotional well-being in schools.
ImmersED demonstrates the collaborative nature of the COE. Supported by the Office of Creative Inquiry, it brings together Lehigh researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and K-12 teachers to create immersive science instruction that blends 360-degree technology with social-emotional learning at Centennial School’s Immersive Learning Center to create active, whole-child learning environments for diverse students.
Undergraduates have more ways than ever to get involved. While the COE is rooted in top-tier graduate education, it is actively expanding opportunities for undergraduate students. Building on the 4+1 accelerated programs in elementary, secondary, and special education, as well as behavior analysis, there are new pathways for undergraduates interested in human behavior and learning.
One prime example is the interdisciplinary minor in learning sciences, launched in 2025 to complement majors across the university. The 15-credit minor consists of five core courses in applied learning sciences and human-centered research. Throughout the program, students explore how cognitive, motivational, and environmental factors shape the way people learn.
First in Math in action The COE offers programming not just for future educators, but for anyone who wants to understand how people think, learn, feel, and behave to make a positive impact in the world.
Research tackles real-life challenges. The capacity for meaningful impact is at the core of COE research. Nationally recognized scholars work at the intersection of policy and practice to solve educational challenges. Grounded in a commitment to caring, the College of Education applies emerging technologies to support learning and positive outcomes across the life span.
For example, COE researchers — led by assistant professor Zilong Pan and doctoral student Jiayan Zhu — partnered with Pennsylvania-based company First in Math to study gamified math learning. By examining performance data across 60 elementary schools (grades 3–5) using the platform, the team is looking for actionable insights on how interactive, tech-driven math games directly impact student outcomes.
Sara at the soft launch of her business, Get Joy Its alumni strengthen the college long after graduation. COE alumni lead classrooms, schools, nonprofits, and organizations around the world. Their expertise extends the impact of the COE beyond campus and their work inspires the next generation of graduate students. The COE is creating a connected community of alumni, students, and faculty that will foster mentorship, support, and celebration.
In specialties of education, leadership, and emotional and behavioral health, COE’s highly qualified graduates are making a real impact in their fields and their communities.
Alumni like Sara Heintzelman MS’11, who combined her commitment to her Centennial School students with her love of ice cream and built a business that employs people with different abilities.
Charles reading to children Or Charles Barrett Ph.D.'13, actively recruiting high school students to the field of school psychology through the NASP Exposure Project and addressing critical workforce shortages since 2018.
Educational Leadership alum Brittany Reese Ed.D.'13, became principal of Broughal Middle School in 2025 after joining the faculty in 2018.
COE is honored to benefit from these and many other active alumni who frequently serve as adjunct professors, mentors to students, or supervisors for practicums. Its alumni also offer their continued support of the important work taking place in the college through their generous donations.
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Story updated on August 7, 2026; Originally published on September 23, 2024.
