Edwin L. Herr, associate dean for graduate programs, research and technology in Penn State’s College of Education, is the 2001 recipient of the Howard B. Palmer Faculty Mentoring Award. The award recognizes faculty members who most effectively promote the collegial and professional development of junior faculty.

Herr is a nationally recognized scholar and leader in the field of counseling and career development and author of 31 books and approximately 300 journal articles. A distinguished professor of education, Herr also has served as the president of four national and international professional counseling organizations including the 60,000-member American Counseling Association.  He also has extensive international experience as a visiting professor and researcher in European, African and Asian universities, in such roles as Research Fellow, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science; Asian Foundation Lecturer; Landsdowne Scholar, University of Victoria, Canada; Fellow, National Institute for Careers Education and Counseling in England.

"Ed is not only an outstanding achiever, but an extraordinarily fine human being," said a colleague in the nomination. "Many of those whom he has mentored have distinguished themselves by becoming leaders, such as deans, department heads and editors, and mentors to others."

Dr. Herr joined Penn State in 1968 and has previously served twice as interim dean, acting assistant dean for graduate studies, director of the Education Counseling Center and director of Vocational Teacher Education.  He also served 24 years as head of the Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Services.  He currently serves as interim head of the Department of Adult Education, Instructional Systems, and Workforce Education and Development.