Adrienne Dixson
- Department Head, Education Policy Studies
- Director, Center on Rural Education and Communities
Center Director
The Center on Rural Education and Communities (CREC) is directed by Dr. Adrienne D. Dixson, Professor of Education and Department Head of Education Policy Studies at Penn State’s College of Education.
In her role as Director, Dr. Dixson provides strategic leadership and vision to advance CREC’s mission of promoting equitable educational opportunities and strengthening rural communities. Under her leadership, CREC continues to be a vital hub for interdisciplinary scholarship, policy development, and practical solutions that support rural education across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Affiliate Faculty
CREC Affiliates include faculty and researchers whose work is consistent with the mission and research/outreach goals of the Center for Rural Education and Communities. They provide advice on and assistance with CREC initiatives as needed.
Associate Faculty
CREC Associates include faculty and researchers whose work is consistent with the mission and research/outreach goals of the Center for Rural Education and Communities and who are directly involved with recent and/or ongoing CREC initiatives. Associates also serve as editorial board members for the Journal of Research in Rural Education. Terms for Associates are 3 years in duration and may be renewed depending on the continued involvement of Associates in CREC efforts.
Graduate Student Associates
CREC Graduate Student Associates include doctoral graduate students whose graduate work and interests are consistent with the mission and research/outreach goals of the Center on Rural Education and Communities, and who are intellectually involved with the community of scholarship associated with the Center. CREC Graduate Student Associates are often directly involved with ongoing CREC research efforts and initiatives and may be called on to serve as ad hoc reviewers for the Journal of Research in Rural Education. CREC Graduate Student Associates status is not limited to doctoral students within the Department of Education Policy Studies, although CREC does provide faculty support to those students who are interested in receiving Departmental support for rural-themed writing groups.