Jon E. Pedersen
Dean, Professor
Dr. Jon Pedersen is dean of the Oklahoma State University College of Education and
Human Sciences and a professor in Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences.
Prior to joining OSU, Pedersen served as dean of the College of Education at the University
of South Carolina. He has more than 33 years of experience as a faculty member and
administrator, including appointments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University
of Oklahoma, East Carolina University and the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
As a leader, Pedersen has focused on promoting interdisciplinary collaborations to
advance school-university-community partnerships and work in democratic education
promoting community issues. He has helped to create university-wide coalitions and
collaborations that partner with challenged communities and leverage the assets and
treasures of institutions of higher education to develop whole child/whole community
transformation.
Pedersen has authored over one hundred publications, most of which focus on K-12 science teaching and/or the incorporation of community issues into the extant curriculum. He has published or edited 16 books, been primary and co-primary investigator of numerous grants (over $10 million in funded activities) and supported projects on K-12 science curricula development, science in-service education, middle level education and international education. His interest in the application of science knowledge as it pertains to relevant community issues is greatly influenced by his foundation in the agricultural sciences and his early years growing up in rural Nebraska.
Pedersen holds a doctorate in science education curriculum and instruction, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor's in agriculture-animal nutrition, all from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Pedersen is very active in several professional organizations, including: the National Science Teachers Association (Past Affiliate Representative to the Board), National Association for Research in Science Teaching , Association for Science Teacher Education (Past President), American Association for Teacher Education (Member Government Relations Comm.), Organization of Institutional Affiliates, CPED (Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate, Board of Directors/Secretary) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA).