Education faculty member named AACTE Holmes National Program Coordinator

August 20, 2026 - 18:41

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education has chosen Ashley Patterson, a faculty member in Penn State's College of Education, to serve as the 2026-27 Holmes National Program Coordinator. Patterson will step into the role on September 1 and remain in the position until June 4, 2027, where she will help shape national programming and strategic direction for the Holmes Scholars Program.

The Holmes Scholars Program is designed to support graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who are pursuing careers in education, with an emphasis on faculty preparation and research. In her new capacity, Patterson will work closely with AACTE leadership and member institutions to coordinate mentorship opportunities, professional development, and networking events for scholars across the country.

Patterson brings a strong background in teacher education and qualitative research to the role. Her work at Penn State has focused on culturally sustaining pedagogy and the experiences of minoritized students and educators. Colleagues describe her as a thoughtful advocate for equity in education, and her appointment reflects AACTE's ongoing commitment to diversifying the educator workforce.

The coordinator position is a significant one within the Holmes network, as it involves both logistical oversight and the cultivation of a supportive scholarly community. Patterson will also help guide the program's long-term goals, ensuring that Holmes Scholars receive the resources and connections they need to succeed as future faculty members and education leaders.

Her selection comes after a competitive national search, and she will succeed the current coordinator when her term begins this fall.