UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Rayne Sperling, associate professor of education (educational psychology), has been named associate dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in the College of Education, effective Aug. 1. She replaces Stephanie Knight, who left to become dean of the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
"Dr. Sperling brings a wealth of relevant experience to her new role as our associate dean for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies," said David H. Monk, dean of the College of Education. "She is deeply committed to ensuring the success of all students and has worked extensively with undergraduate as well as graduate students. She is a caring person who relentlessly looks for good solutions, and I am delighted to welcome her to the Dean's Office."
Sperling's research examines the measurement and promotion of learners' self-regulation, including their motivation, metacognition and strategic processing. Her work also addresses effective instructional manipulations, in both traditional and technology-rich environments, that are designed to promote learners' self-regulation, comprehension, decision-making and problem-solving. Much of her work addresses issues of objective-based student assessment, construct measurement and evaluation. She currently is the associate editor of Contemporary Educational Psychology.
"I am excited to serve the college as the associate dean and look forward to working with the students, staff, faculty and administrators in the College of Education," Sperling said. "The College of Education has many exciting and innovative initiatives. I am thrilled to be a part of the important work we do that changes lives both locally and globally."
Sperling earned her bachelor of science degree in education with a minor in educational psychology at the State University of New York at Oneonta, and both her master's and doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
She came to Penn State in 1998 as assistant professor of education (educational psychology). She became coordinator of the undergraduate program in educational psychology in 2005, professor-in-charge of the program in 2007, and program co-coordinator in 2012. She was promoted to associate professor in 2005 and since 2014 has been director of undergraduate and graduate programs in the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling and Special Education (EPCSE).
Before coming to Penn State, Sperling spent four years at West Virginia University as assistant professor of advanced educational studies (educational psychology, technology education, social and cultural foundations, and educational leadership studies). She also was graduate program coordinator for educational psychology and social and cultural foundations at the institution. She also held positions at the Nebraska Evaluation and Research Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the Academic Success Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Sperling has earned several honors and awards, including the Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology Fellowship and the College of Education Cotterill Leadership Enhancement Award. She is an active member and serves in leadership positions with The American Educational Research Association and the American Psychological Association.