Each year, our annual report offers an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work taking place across DePaul University's College of Education and to reflect on the people, partnerships, and shared commitments that make this work possible. As I look back on the 2025–2026 academic year, I am reminded of both the extraordinary talent within our college and the collective sense of purpose that continues to move us forward.

This year brought significant momentum across the college. New investments included a $720,000 federally funded grant in civic leadership, a $500,000 state-funded grant for innovative pathways to special education, and growing partnerships within the community to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and continuous innovation while offering a glimpse of the work shaping the future of the college and the communities we serve.

The achievements of our students remind us why this work matters. From doctoral research examining the experiences of single mothers in higher education, to the success of a Double Demon in our Counseling program, to undergraduate research connecting Early Childhood Education and neuroscience, our students continue to pursue questions, opportunities, and experiences that make a difference. These stories represent just a few of the many ways our students are learning, leading, and making their mark.

Our faculty and staff continue to advance the future of education through scholarship, innovation, and partnership. From Hilary Conklin's work on civic education and democratic engagement to the Office for Innovation and Professional Learning's (OIPL) applied research and community-focused initiatives, their accomplishments reflect the breadth and depth of expertise across the college. Their work continues to spark new ideas and influence educational policy and practice.

Through our strategic planning COE 2030 initiative, we also engaged in a thoughtful and collaborative process of envisioning the college's future, examining how our strengths, values, and aspirations can position us for even greater impact. Our goal remains to not just respond to emerging challenges and opportunities, but to lead them, ensuring that the college remains a catalyst for innovation, equity and impact.

I am deeply grateful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners for the many ways they contribute to the life and impact of the college. I invite you to explore the stories in this year's annual report with the same sense of pride and possibility that I feel in sharing them. Together, we have much to celebrate, and even more to look forward to in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Jennifer Mueller
Dean, College of Education
DePaul University