UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University's Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) has recognized two members of the College of Education in its annual awards presentation. Ashley Patterson, associate professor of education (curriculum and instruction), received the MRC Faculty and Staff Diversity Recognition Award. Student Mia Thomas won the Inspiring Student Leader Award.
Ashley Patterson
The faculty/staff award recognizes those who have consistently promoted multiculturalism, equity and inclusion, as well as concern for and sensitivity to the needs of multicultural students, above and beyond their job description.
“I do the work I do because it's necessary, because I have the capacity to do it and because it brings me joy,” said Patterson. “To be recognized for doing it by folks whose work I deeply admire is absolutely icing on the cake. I wouldn't be able to do many of the things I do without the work of the MRC, its personnel and the students who are here and feel empowered because of the efforts of the office. So, to be seen by them as someone worth recognizing is truly and honor.”
María Schmidt, assistant dean for Education and Social Equity and Patterson’s nominator, said, “Dr. Patterson champions our college and University mission around equity and inclusion, preparing students to lead and innovate in the service of something larger than themselves. She is supportive, impactful in positive ways, effective at helping students learn and provides an inclusive environment. Dr. Patterson is the example of a talented and caring educator, a teacher that creates change and makes a difference facilitating our students’ academic success and well-being.”
Schmidt included quotes from students in her nomination of Patterson:
One student said, “Dr. Patterson never fails to very quickly and effectively get back to me with anything I need help with, whether it be coursework, my teaching responsibilities, my own research, or just general life and career advice. I always feel that she has my very best interests in mind and regularly offers unbiased and balanced advice. Her mentorship when I first began teaching undergraduate courses was UNMATCHED! She met with me each week to go through the course materials, offer guidance in working with undergrads, share materials, and just be a sounding board.”
A second student said, “She helped me have faith in myself, set and reach my goals, and believe in myself. She was tough when needed to be, pushed me when saw I was stuck, comforted me when I was losing it, and was a calming voice during the last stretch. … I am not sure any words can explain how grateful I am to call her an adviser, an academic mom.”
In the College of Education, Patterson is co-director of the Social Justice in Education minor and co-coordinator of the college’s Holmes Scholars Program. She also is involved in the Social Justice Collaborative with the State College Area School District, D.C. Social Justice Fellowship, Educational Policy Fellowship Program, Elementary and Early Childhood Education Equity team and the Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee.
Patterson is an affiliate faculty member in the Population Research Institute and a member of Penn State’s Forum on Black Affairs where she served as secretary for several years. She also has served as area chair for the Literacy Research Association, a nationwide community of scholars dedicated to promoting research that enriches the knowledge, understanding and development of lifespan literacies in a multicultural and multilingual world. She is a member of the American Education Research Association Critical Educators for Social Justice special interest group, and board president of Young Scholars of Central Pennsylvania.
Mia Thomas
The Inspiring Student Leader Award is given to a student who has kept a low profile and has toiled behind the scenes to make certain that student programs and organizations are successful. This student has taken initiative, has accepted and carried out responsibility, and has completed tasks without recognition.
“Receiving the Inspiring Student Leader award is truly an honor. It means so much to me to be recognized for my dedication toward advocacy and social justice work, especially being nominated by Dean María Schmidt and Brenda Martinez who have been integral in my success at Penn State,” said Thomas. “This award makes me feel seen and heard and reminds me that my effort and passion for creating unapologetic spaces for Black girls and young Black women matters.”
In her nomination, Brenda Martinez, student advocacy specialist in the Office of Education and Social Equity in the College of Education said, “Mia is a responsible student who always provides exceptional work, works well with others, is always willing to help, does it with humility and never expects anything in return. She takes her new learning and growth to create positive change within any community she is a part of.”
Thomas first came to the College of Education in 2017 as a participant in the Summer College Opportunity Program in Education (S.C.O.P.E.), a four-week, academic intensive program for high school students from traditionally under-respresented groups who have a desire to go into the field of education. She came full circle as an undergraduate student, working with the S.C.O.P.E. program as instructional support and a resident counselor.
“Both positions are extremely important as they are designed to have one-on-one academic support and oversight of students’ day to day activities. She was able to demonstrate a true dedication to our participants by always making herself available and by providing continuous and effective guidance, and assertive mentorship,” Martinez said.
Thomas is the president of the Multicultural Education Student Association, where she worked with peers to revamp and re-energize the organization to become an active group and contributor to the college community. She also has served as a student member of the College of Education’s Equity Team and actively participated in and led efforts to bring student narratives to the forefront.
Her leadership extends into the local community as well, as she started a Black Girls Affinity Group at Mount Nittany Middle School in the State College Area School District. The organization is facilitated by Thomas and young Black women from Penn State dedicated to serving, supporting and advocating for Black girls. The affinity group goals are to promote positive identity formation for Black girls and focus on their mental and emotional well-being, celebrate their Blackness, and foster community through sisterhood and mentorship.