Sharing a Love of Education

Celebrating a pair of faculty couples this Valentine’s Day

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

February 7, 2024

Dr. Carol Fry Bohlin recalls reaching the front of the line at the 1990 American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference. It was finally her moment to catch professor and statistician Ed “E.T.” Tufte to sign her copy of his new book. To her delight, the opportunity arose to take a photo with the author! Seeking better light for the snapshot, they stepped outside, thwarting an attempt by another eager fan seeking an autograph– Carol’s future husband, Dr. Roy Bohlin!

The Bohlins officially met later that year (and the mystery of Roy’s rival that day eventually came to light) after attending an orientation for the new School of Education and Human Development faculty in the Education-Psychology (now Professional Human Services) building, where they both taught educational technology and mathematics education classes until the current Kremen School building was completed in 1994. They enjoyed serving in leadership roles for the San Joaquin Valley Mathematics Project and attending events together such as a presentation at the Saroyan Theatre by Carl Sagan. Their mutual love of all things STEM drew them closer and the couple married in 1992 with many faculty and students in attendance.

Dr. Roy Bohlin and Dr. Carol Fry Bohlin welcomed their son Christopher in 1995 and he became one of the first children in the Huggins Early Education Center. He would later attend University High School and Fresno State, majoring in computer engineering and mathematics, which makes the Bohlins a true Fresno State Bulldog family!

Dr. Swati and Dr. Rohit Mehta may have attended the same high school in India, yet it was not until their undergraduate college days at an engineering school that they finally crossed paths! The Mehtas married in 2012 and pursued doctoral degrees at Michigan State University in educational psychology and technology. With patience and perseverance, the pair found their careers leading them to Fresno State, and are now celebrating 18 years together and 11 years of marriage!

Dr. Rohit Mehta is an Assistant Professor of Secondary Curriculum with Instructional Technology in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Department of Educational Leadership. His research interests are the intersections of pedagogy, literacies, creativity, technology, and coloniality. As an educator, he wants to help teachers foster creativity through teaching and learning practices that are liberatory of multiple ways of being, knowing, and doing.

Dr. Swati Mehta is an Assistant Professor of Liberal Studies. She centers her work on building long-term research-practice partnerships with local schools and districts to engage P-8 teachers in conceptualizing and co-constructing community-engaged culturally sustaining computing practices in their classrooms. She draws from her work with Dr. Ron Eglash on creating a computing curriculum using the Culturally Situated Design Tools (CSDT) that allows teachers to understand how cultural practices intersect with math, science, and computing concepts. 

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To learn more about our distinguished and dedicated faculty, visit our online Faculty Directory.

Holmes Program Empowers Doctoral Students through Nationwide Connections and Financial Support

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

January 25, 2024

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State has been accepted into the American Association of Colleges and Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Program, a nationwide initiative that aims to enhance the recruitment and success of students of color pursuing a degree in education. Students selected to become Holmes Scholars receive access to professional development opportunities and a national community of administrators, faculty and peers.

“Although the Holmes program has been around for over 30 years, we are one of just a few institutions in California to be a member. We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students.”

– Dr. Juliet Wahleithner

The inaugural cohort for the Holmes Scholars at Fresno State is comprised of four students in spring 2024: Adelfa Lorenzano, Dana Grisby, Fabiola Pérez and Floridia Cheung. Two students will be accepted in the fall to fulfill the program’s capacity of six Holmes Scholars, and two new Scholars will be added each academic year as students complete their three-year doctoral program. Interested Fresno State doctoral students may apply to the program by completing an application expressing their professional goals, research areas and intentions for participating in the program. 

“…Being selected for the first cohort of the Holmes Scholars program at Fresno State is sincerely an honor. As a first-generation Latina, to know that there are programs looking for individuals with my background is rewarding.”

– Adelfa Lorenzano

Benefits of the program include connections with fellow Holmes Scholars at Fresno State and member institutions, the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA) alumni network, peer and faculty mentors and the program coordinators on campus. Holmes Scholars may receive funding to join a professional organization, benefit from tuition support after advancement to candidacy, and are invited to attend monthly AACTE meetings for the Holmes Program, professional development sessions, the Summer Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., the Annual Meeting and the Holmes Program Preconference. These resources aim to empower participants throughout their educational journeys and help them explore diverse career options in education.

“As a doctoral candidate, I want to do action research that is meaningful for myself and my school communities, and to focus on empowering our unique and under-represented population. We all work and serve Central Valley students, and it is important to collaborate together in research and study to support our diverse student population.”

– Floridia Cheung

The Fresno State Holmes Scholars Program will be housed in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development and is jointly coordinated by Dr. Ignacio Hernández, the Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and Dr. Juliet Wahleithner, the Director of Educator Preparation Programs. Through the inclusion in the AACTE Holmes Program, Fresno State strives to provide aspiring educators from diverse backgrounds with the support and guidance they need to excel in their graduate studies and make a meaningful impact in the field of education.

“Holmes Scholars often become part of a community that advocates for diversity and inclusion in education. This involvement can raise visibility within the academic community and position me as an advocate for positive change in my field that will hopefully lead to a leadership role of principalship in my district.”

– Fabiola Pérez

Information about the Fresno State Holmes Scholars is available at FresnoState.edu/holmesscholars.

Meet the Inaugural Fresno State Holmes Scholars 

Floridia Cheung Online Cohort 7 Floridia Cheung is the principal at Design Science Middle College High School, a Fresno Unified School District specialty school at Fresno City College. She has been a middle and high school teacher in science, career technical education (CTE) for architecture and art and is a Fulbright teacher that had the opportunity to visit Indonesian schools in 2018. Floridia earned a B.A. from UCLA, an M.A. from Fresno State and is enrolled in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in order to become a better advocate and educator for students in the Central Valley.
	Fabiola Pérez Face-to-Face Cohort 16 Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Fabiola Pérez is Vice Principal at Bullard High School within Fresno Unified. Her 17-year career in education includes roles as a teacher, coach and administrator where she uplifts underprivileged students and fosters a positive school culture. Fabiola is a two-time Fresno State alumna with a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.A. in Teaching and expects to complete her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in 2025.
Dana Grisby Online Cohort 8 Hailing from Merced, CA, Dana Grigsby is a tenured professor of African American Studies at Laney College in Oakland, CA. She has served in the U.S. Peace Corps twice, in both Botswana and Guyana and has been recognized as a Stanford Global Studies Education Partnership forInternationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) Fellow (2020) and with the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholar Doctoral Award (2023-24). Dana earned a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University, an M.A. in African American Studies from UCLA and anticipates completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2026.
	Adelfa Lorenzano  Face-to-Face Cohort 17 Adelfa Lorenzano is the Director of Reedley College’s Title V (DHSI-2020): Community and College Connections for Expanded Educational Opportunity project. She is a founder and is current Past-President of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, co-chair of the annual Reedley College Padres Como Compañeros Conference, and has served on numerous youth-focused advisory and community event boards. Adelfa has a B.A. from Fresno Pacific University, an M.A. from National University and expects to complete her doctorate in 2026.

Inspiring Brilliance

Preparing Future Generations of Educators

A Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall Featurette

Karen DeVoogd considers her name being engraved on the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall to be one of the proudest moments of her career. This honor, gifted to her by colleagues in 2022, symbolizes her lasting impact at CalStateTEACH where she played a pivotal role in creating the curriculum that now prepares teachers across California.

Originally from Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, Karen’s passion for teaching was ignited from an early age while growing up in the small rural town. She pursued her education at The University of Calgary, where she was honored with a student teaching award during her undergraduate years. Karen’s fascination with human inquiry and development led her to Michigan State University, where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Throughout her life, Karen has always envisioned herself as a teacher, and she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have seen that dream become a reality. With the new perspective of being a grandparent, she remains curious about how individuals learn and grow. Karen attributes her success to the many wonderful teachers who have influenced her journey, particularly her lifelong mentor, Dr. Pam Lane-Garon.

Under Dr. Lane-Garon’s guidance, Karen assumed leadership of the Mediator Mentors program at Fresno State. As the coordinator and then director until 2016, Karen had the opportunity to support this project dedicated to training students to become peer mediators. Lane-Garon’s wisdom and guidance have had a profound impact on Karen, who embraces her mentor’s mantra of becoming a better version of oneself every day. 

After retiring from her faculty position in 2022, Karen now works with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative’s Domestic Harmonizer Program. Based in Long Beach, California, she focuses on education and supporting teachers, students and parents in understanding the importance of constructive conflict resolution and implementing this in the classroom.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Karen believes that inspiring others to recognize their own brilliance is essential. She aims to hold up a mirror that reflects learners’ gifts and curiosities, guiding them to see the value they bring to the world. As a faculty instructor with the CalStateTEACH program at Fresno State from 1998 to 2022, Karen played a significant role in preparing future teachers for their careers.

As Karen continues her journey in education, she remains dedicated to working in schools and supporting future leaders who understand the power of peaceful practices and kindness. She believes in embodying Dr. Pam Lane-Garon’s message and sharing it with her peers and aspiring educators: “Remember, every day you have a chance to be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday.”

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)

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The Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall showcases excellence in education with engraved names and messages for visitors of the campus to see. Celebrate your educational journey or that of a friend or colleague by ordering a personalized brick at TeacherHonorWall.com. Each brick purchase supports technology used by students.

For inquiries, visit the Office of the Dean in Kremen School, Room 210, call 559.278.0210 or email KremenSA@csufresno.edu.

Associate Professor David E. Low of the Kremen School Awarded Arthur Applebee Award for Excellence in Research on Literacy

(Pictured Above: Dr. David Low with Dr. Kathleen Hinchman, AAAERL Chair)

The Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Associate Professor David E. Low and his colleague, CSU Dominguez Hills College of Education Dean, Jessica Pandya, are recipients of the Literacy Research Association’s Arthur Applebee Award for Excellence in Research on Literacy. Their article, “Centering Children’s Voices and Purposes in Multimodality Research” was recognized at the 2023 Annual Literacy Research Association (LRA) Conference in Atlanta on Nov. 30.

The article, published in August 2022 in the Journal of Literacy Research, examines how the theorization of semiosis in academic scholarship is disconnected from how it is conceptualized by children. To bridge this gap, Drs. Low and Pandya analyzed 75 interviews with children about their digital video making. Analysis of children’s responses demonstrated socially-embedded, age-specific understandings of how semiotic modes operate, as well as when and why children employ them. In many cases, children’s ideas ran counter to formal semiotic grammars and literacy theories. Drs. Low and Pandya subsequently argued for the need to advance child-centric social semiotic theories that center children’s voices, purposes, and capacity to generate theory. Doing so, they argued, would honor the legacies of theorists who came before by adding emergent voices to an ever-evolving discussion.

(Dr. Jessica Pandya, Dean of CSU Dominguez Hills College of Education)

As an educator, Dr. Low’s work centers around mentoring pre- and in-service teachers to develop frameworks that honor the cultural and intellectual legacies of their students and the larger community. In particular, Dr. Low is dedicated to educating current and future teachers and school leaders to situate educational disparities within political, social, and historical contexts, to surface possibilities for social change through collaborative critical inquiry, and to view all learners, including themselves, as intellectuals, full of creativity and promise. 

The award’s namesake, the late Arthur Applebee, was a distinguished Professor at the University at Albany and a renowned literacy and language scholar. Each year, the award honors a single influential article in the field of literacy research. 

Drs. Low and Pandya’s award marks the first time in the award’s history that researchers from non-R1 institutions have been so honored.

Dr. Low is also a recipient of the 2023 Divergent Award, given by the Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age Research. He has published extensively, in journals such as Journal of Literacy Research, Research in the Teaching of English, Language Arts, and numerous others. His contributions to the Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual, and Special Education at the Kremen School have positively impacted the lives of countless students in the community. 

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)

Shaping the Future of Education: The Kremen School hosts a Teacher Induction Ceremony and Orientation

The Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Teacher Induction Ceremony and Orientation took place Saturday, August 19th, 8:15 AM – 2:30 PM, gathering over 400 Teacher Education Candidates, Coaches, Mentor Teachers, and Faculty. There were 26 Education Specialist attendees present, 228 Multiple Subject, and 151 Single Subject. While Kremen has held a Teacher Induction Ceremony for Teacher Education Candidates, Faculty, and Coaches in the past, this event also included Mentor Teachers and incorporated program orientation which wasn’t present in past ceremonies. 

Dr. Juliet Wahleithner, Director of Educator Preparation programs, kicked off the morning by highlighting all who were in attendance–Candidates from the Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist Programs; Teacher Residents; and Candidates from the South Valley Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP). Dean Randy Yerrick then welcomed the group, reminding candidates that they never know when they will make a difference in a student’s life. After, all Candidates stood together and said in unison the Educator Affirmation.

In a Teacher Candidate-specific general session, they learned what would be expected of them in the program. A panel of five completers of Kremen’s Teaching Credential Programs then shared their experiences and recommendations for success. 

• Gerardo Aguayo (Education Specialist Credential Program – Mild/Mod)
• Katelyn Salazar (Single Subject Credential Program – Social Science/History)
• Khai Li Wan (Education Specialist Credential Program – Extensive Support Needs)
• Bruno Cazares (Single Subject Credential Program – English)
• Randi Nichols (Multiple Subject Credential Program) 

These completers have nearly all succeeded in obtaining teaching positions either during the completion of their degree or shortly thereafter. They now instruct in many local districts including Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified, Golden Valley Unified, and Visalia Unified School Districts. 

At the same time, Coaches and Mentor Teachers were in their own session where veterans shared their experiences and recommendations.

Participants had the opportunity to learn the expectations of both their program-specific expectations and their clinical practice experience as well as the specifics of the Fresno Assessment of Student Teachers (FAST), Fresno State’s required teaching performance assessment. Many individuals left the event feeling more confident and at ease in regard to the future of their academic journey. 

“I want to thank everyone responsible for the Orientation Event last Saturday. I applaud you for all of your hard work and commitment to getting us off to a great start for the new school year. Over the past few years, there have been many changes, within our Educational programs. With change there often comes frustrations, concerns, uncertainties, and many more emotions. This event truly brought a sense of community for all involved. With such a great team of professionals, I am excited  to see what the future holds. Together, we can and will make a difference in the lives of our students.”

– Anonymous participant 

Kremen believes that as a teacher, one has the power to directly impact the future of our world. They aspire to help their students develop the knowledge and tools necessary to allow education to grow and flourish in the PK-12 classroom. 

Nearly three-quarters of the teachers in the greater Fresno region were prepared at Fresno State. By completing one’s credential requirements through Kremen, they are joining a community of notable educators. Many of Kremen’s graduates have gone on to succeed in careers as classroom teachers, site and district administrators, and university faculty. A large number have also returned to the Kremen School to pursue further graduate degrees. 

Kremen’s Teacher Education programs are accredited at both the state level, by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTE), and the national level, by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). Kremen’s faculty and staff are committed to ensuring students have the best possible preparation to reach their full potential as an educator. Whether pursuing a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Special Education (Education Specialist) credential, those enrolled will be taught by high-quality faculty deeply rooted in the local context. They will also have the opportunity to complete their clinical field placement experience in a local PK-12 school while being mentored by a currently-practicing PK-12 teacher and a university coach. 

Kremen understands that studying to be an educator can be challenging as one works to balance their coursework expectations and clinical field placement expectations with their personal responsibilities and home life. They encourage students to look for ways to practice self-care while also providing support through program coordinators, instructional faculty, and coaches. Their goal is to see their students succeed and reach their fullest potential. 

If you are interested in joining Kremen’s Teacher Education Program, please visit our website. 

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)

Sherri Nakashima: A Legacy of Devotion and Perseverance

Photo Credit: Ana Espinosa

During her 27 years of hard work and dedication, Sherri Nakashima processed over 20,000 credential recommendations for teachers, counselors, administrators and school nurses since being hired in 1997 as Fresno State’s sole Credential Analyst. Without her countless hours of diligence and precise attention to detail, many educators throughout the Valley today would not have obtained the credentials required for them to enter the field of education. As part of her position, she also ensured that all credential programs offered through Fresno State maintained both national and state accreditation by submitting credential recommendations to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for state licensing of educators.

Nakashima’s journey to this position is paved with a deep devotion for teaching. She graduated from Fresno State as a first-generation college student after being inspired by her two older brothers who both received their degrees in Agriculture. Nakashima obtained a BA in Liberal Studies and also earned a Multiple Subject credential through the Kremen School of Education and Human Development which she then used to teach 4th grade. Soon afterwards, she began to crave a career change. A friend of hers who worked on campus informed her that a position had opened up within the Kremen School. After applying in 1995, she was quickly hired for a front-desk position by Associate Dean Dr. Robert Monke.

“This return to Kremen became a pivotal moment in my life with everything coming full-circle.”

 – Nakashima 

Thea Beddingfield, the Credential Analyst at the time, became her supervisor in Education 100 (now CASS). While working the front desk, Nakashima was also being simultaneously trained by Thea on how to process credential applications. During that period, Fresno State consistently produced the highest number of credential candidates in the CSU system and because of this, Thea was able to convince administration that a second Credential Analyst was needed. After applying in 1997, Nakashima moved to a Credential Analyst I position assisting Thea with processing applications. Shortly thereafter, Thea moved to a different job on campus, leaving behind the world of accreditation. Nakashima then became the sole Credential Analyst for the campus.

The duties of a Credential Analyst are extremely demanding and sometimes even challenging in nature as they are required to remain up-to-date on all credentialing policies and procedures for the state of California. Nakashima was in charge of submitting credential recommendations for all required programs including (Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Education Specialist); Pupil Personnel Services (School Counseling, School Social Work, School Psychology); Administrative Services, Agriculture Specialist, Reading Specialist, School Nursing as well as the online CalState TEACH program.

Her responsibilities also included credential advising, the evaluation of transcripts for adding authorizations, submitting appeals for credential extensions, attending CTC meetings, working with Kremen advisors, program coordinators, and other academic advisors across campus. This frequent communication and collaboration with other colleges at Fresno State was crucial to ensuring that all students met the requirements to earn a credential. Nakashima would also serve as a liaison to local county offices of education, school district human resources personnel, other CSU system Credential Analysts and the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Processing and submitting credential recommendations requires the highest level of attention to detail, something that Nakashima excelled at. Each individual credential candidate’s application entails an evaluation of credential documents to verify that the candidate has successfully met the state and university legal requirements to obtain a credential. Nakashima would double and triple check these requirements to guarantee that the students whom she advised were on the path to ultimate success.

In 2007, Nakashima received a brick on the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall as a Richter Award recipient for outstanding Kremen Staff. In 2019, she accepted yet another outstanding staff award, cementing her legacy within the Kremen School even further.

After 27 years of commitment and resolve within the field of education, Nakashima has decided to file for a well-earned retirement. While she is thrilled to finally be able to turn off her 5:30 a.m. alarm and spend more time with loved ones, Nakashima has discovered that the most difficult part of retiring is the knowledge that she will no longer see her colleagues on a regular basis. However, she is grateful for the cherished memories she has made with her coworkers both in and outside of the Kremen School. She is especially appreciative of the hard work put in by staff and faculty members as well as the presence of invaluable student assistants — the great majority of which have pursued their teaching credentials and/or master’s degrees within the Kremen School.

“I don’t have children of my own, but our current and former student assistants make me feel like a proud “Mom”! It’s heartwarming to see how fellow staff support each other throughout the course of an academic year. They are generous, kind, intelligent, respectful, hard-working and dedicated. All have a wonderful sense of humor, which is needed in dealing with challenges that arise.”

– Nakashima explains.

As she reflects, Nakashima is keenly aware that it wouldn’t have been possible for her to have worked as a Credential Analyst for 27 years without their continued support. She would like to thank the Kremen School administration, staff, and faculty for their encouragement and teamwork over the years. Now begins her next chapter in life!

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development )

The Divergent Publication Award for Excellence in Literacy in a Digital Age Research

Dr. David Low and Dr. Earl Aguilera of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State, were both recently recognized as 2023 recipients of the Divergent Publication Award for Excellence in Literacy in a Digital Age Research. This award recognizes the most outstanding publications during the past two years that bring to the forefront the importance and impact of this work, given by the Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age.

The Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age, established in 2014, recognizes the importance of literacy in a digital age, those who diverge from traditional pedagogies and research approaches, and the indelible contributions of educators and scholars who have dedicated their careers to the theoretical and practical study of 21st century literacies. 

“We received a record number of nominees for the 2023 class. The educators, librarians, community organizers, college and career leaders, and students honored by this recognition are paving the way for equity, diversity, inclusivity, and access to texts and tools for all learners.”

Dr. Shelbie Witte, founding director of the Initiative.

Pedagogies: An International Journal (Taylor & Francis)

Dr. Low’s publication award is for a 2021 article titled “Youth Identities and Affinities on the Move: Using a Transliteracies Framework to Critique Digital Dichotomies,” which he co-authored with Sarah Rapp, a UCSC doctoral student and incoming faculty member at Sonoma State University. The article was published in Pedagogies: An International Journal (Taylor & Francis) and argues that oppositional framings of digitality do not adequately convey the creativity, permeability, messiness, and movement of youth literacies in practice. The authors used a transliteracies framework to examine youths’ textual production and identity mediation across physical and virtual domains, focusing on student participation in affinity spaces.

Dr. Aguilera’s publication award is for co-editing a Special Issue of Pedagogies: An International Journal titled “Critical Literacies in a Digital Age” in 2021 with Dr. Jessica Zacher Pandya, Dean of the School of Education at CSU Dominguez Hills. In this Special Issue, Drs. Aguilera and Pandya curated a number of research studies that together examined the resurgent social, political, cultural, and economic tension – in part facilitated by emerging information and communication technologies – which underscore the need to cultivate new forms of critical literacy in our digital age. Drs. Aguilera and Pandya framed their Special Issue around the following question:

In an educational context increasingly marked by volatility and uncertainty, but also connection and creative potential, in what ways might a focus on CDL inform pedagogical theory and practice?

Drs. Low and Aguilera, among other 2023 honorees, will be sharing their work as part of the Literacy in a Digital Age lecture series in April 2023.