Georgia Southern professor Alma Stevenson receives award from ‘INSIGHT Into Diversity’ magazine

August 16, 2017

Alma Stevenson, Ph.D.

Georgia Southern University College of Education (COE) Associate Professor Alma Stevenson, Ph.D., has been named a recipient of the 2017 Inspiring Leaders in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education.

The Inspiring Leaders in STEM Award honors professionals from underrepresented groups who have made a difference in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Stevenson will be featured in the September 2017 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine as one of 40 recipients in the nation to receive this recognition.

“We know many of those working in STEM fields, especially those from underrepresented groups, are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship to others,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of the magazine. “We want to honor the many professionals who are inspirations to their colleagues, their community and to young people who may be interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these leaders as role models to all.”

Inspiring Leaders in STEM Award recipients were nominated by a colleague and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on their efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research and successful programs and initiatives.

“One of my main attributes as a person is my commitment to serve underrepresented and underserved populations,” explained Stevenson. “My current research looks at these populations and addresses STEM education issues.”

During her time spent as an elementary school educator in El Paso, Texas, one of Stevenson’s primary responsibilities was to make modifications for science and math instruction to be accessible for all students, including students with exceptionalities and English as a Second Language (ESOL) learners.

Her dissertation research examined how bilingual students choose to use their linguistic resources in both science classrooms and lab settings. Since moving into higher education, Stevenson has focused much of her research on literacy and language development in science classrooms. She teaches undergraduate and graduate-level courses including: Literacy in the Content Areas; Approaches to Literacy; and Critical Issues in Literacy Education with Diverse Populations.

She has served on several STEM grant-funded projects since coming to Georgia Southern University in 2011. Currently, Stevenson is working with COE colleagues Robert Mayes, Ph.D., and Lacey Huffling, Ph.D., on Georgia’s GEAR UP! grant, focusing on the professional development of eighth grade mathematics and physical science teachers.

“As a professor, my research, service and teaching all focus upon the goal of ensuring that challenging and empowering curricula is available for all students, regardless of their socio-economic, cultural, academic or linguistic backgrounds,” said Stevenson.

A past recipient of the College’s Jack Miller Award for Scholarly Activity, Stevenson serves in voluntary roles with Bulloch County Schools and the Georgia Department of Education’s Migrant Education program, including presenting workshops for parents and teachers and participating in statewide assessment initiatives.

“Dr. Stevenson is a well-deserving candidate for this award because of her hard work and dedication to the field of STEM education,” said Thomas Koballa, Ph.D., dean of COE. “She does a superb job of linking her passion for research with her attention to the needs of students, particularly students whose potential for greatness may be overlooked. STEM fields serve as vehicles for Dr. Stevenson to satisfy her desire to bring out the best in people, and to improve educational opportunities for all through her studies of student learning and motivation.”

For more information about the 2017 Inspiring Leaders in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit InsightIntoDiversity.com

For more information about the College of Education, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/COE.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 118 degree programs serving 20,673 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.