Two Lander Education Leaders Named to Multi-State Coalition

Two members of Lander University’s College of Education have been named to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association Coalition of Partner States.

Dr. Stephen Bismarck, dean of the College of Education, and Dr. Dawn Hawkins, an assistant professor in the college, were named to the coalition, aimed at showcasing and strengthening educator preparation programs, clinical practice and workforce pathways.

South Carolina’s participation in this coalition is supported by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Centers of Excellence.

The coalition is made up of 12 member states that will attend an in-person meeting, have monthly webinars and receive assistance in work-based learning and education-to-career guidance strategies.

Hawkins and Bismarck, along with representatives from Francis Marion University and University of South Carolina Aiken, will lend their expertise to strengthening teacher education pathways and clinical practices in South Carolina and across the nation.

“Our involvement in this initiative will provide valuable insight to expand work-based learning and increase participation in paid educator preparation. Furthermore, integrating structured coaching and career guidance will improve candidate retention and foster stronger school district partnerships, aligning our preparation programs with regional workforce demands and boosting placements in high-need areas,” Hawkins said.