Faculty - School counseling professionals were honored for their leadership and impact on student success at the California Association of School Counselors’ 25th anniversary conference and awards ceremony in Riverside. Archive

CASC Names Chapman’s Randee Kirkemo 2026 Counselor Educator of the Year School counseling professionals were honored for their leadership and impact on student success at the California Association of School Counselors’ 25th anniversary conference and awards ceremony in Riverside.

October 22, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies proudly celebrates Instructional Assistant Professor of School Counseling Randee Kirkemo, who has been named the 2026 Counselor Educator of the Year by the California Association of School Counselors (CASC). This prestigious award recognizes one school counselor educator in California each year who demonstrates exceptional leadership, mentorship, and dedication to advancing the

Empowering Future Mental Health Leaders with Restorative Justice Practices

April 17, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies faculty members Anna Abdou, assistant professor of school psychology, and Randee Kirkemo, instructional assistant professor of school counseling, have been selected to receive the 2025 Community Partner Award from Groundswell at its upcoming Wave of Hope Gala on May 1, 2025. The recognition honors their leadership and collaboration

Virtual Reality and AI Could Transform Behavioral Assessments in U.S. Schools

April 1, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | News

The primary method that U.S. schools use to assess the behavioral abilities of young children may be biased against students from underserved communities. This is all the more alarming considering behavioral assessments can impact the educational trajectory of a student’s life. Jared Izumi, assistant professor of counseling and school psychology in the Attallah College of

2025-2026 Attallah College Faculty Promotions

March 31, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | News

We are thrilled to recognize two outstanding Attallah College faculty members who have earned tenure and/or promotion effective at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, following a rigorous review by their peers and academic leadership. Please join us in celebrating this significant milestone and extending heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed colleagues!

Attallah College Celebrates Research and Collaboration at 2025 NASP Annual Conference

March 25, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies had a strong presence at the 2025 National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) annual conference in Seattle, with faculty and students contributing to 14 activities, including presentations, mini-skills sessions, and workshops. Faculty Highlights at NASP 2025 Dr. Annmary Abdou co-presented a paper on restorative justice and led a

Bridging the Gap: How Family Support Can Drive Success for Latinx First-Generation College Students Attallah College Assistant Professor Stephany Cuevas is researching how to support the families of first-generation college students.

January 16, 2025 by Ronda Kalaji | News

As universities nationwide are stepping up to address the underrepresentation of Latinx students, there is still much work to be done to improve first-generation graduation rates. But one critical component to the academic success of first-generation students is currently understudied—their relationship with their families. Fortunately, Assistant Professor Stephany Cuevas of the Attallah College of Educational

Chapman University’s Attallah College Hosts Second Annual Peace Leadership in Schools Summit

December 10, 2024 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Chapman University’s Attallah College, supported by external funding from the Miner Anderson Family Foundation, successfully held its second annual Peace Leadership in Schools Summit during the Fall 2024 semester. The summit, organized by Assistant Professor Anna Abdou, Associate Professor Whitney McIntyre Miller, and Instructional Associate Professor Trisha Sugita, provided a platform for school leaders from

Chapman’s Attallah College Hosts 2nd Annual “Imagining a Resilient Future” Conference Focused on LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools This fall 2024 conference aimed to equip educators and mental health professionals with tools to foster inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ students.

December 2, 2024 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies held its second annual “Imagining a Resilient Future” conference, an event dedicated to addressing critical issues faced by youth in schools. While the 2023 conference focused on helping students attend school and thrive, the 2024 conference centered on enhancing support for LGBTQIA+ youth. The one-day event, hosted by

Attallah College Celebrates Student and Alumni Achievements at CASC 2024 Conference

November 20, 2024 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Chapman’s Attallah College of Educational Studies proudly highlights the achievements of its students, alumni, and faculty at the 2024 California Association of School Counselors (CASC) Conference and Expo. This year’s conference provided a platform for members of the Attallah College community to share their expertise and insights on key educational topics. In a special recognition,

Chapman Professor Stephany Cuevas Invited to U.S. Department of Education’s Family Engagement Evidence Convening

October 22, 2024 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Stephany Cuevas, assistant professor at Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies, was invited by the U.S. Department of Education to join their Family Engagement Evidence Convening. The convening explored the rapidly growing evidence around family engagement as a key level for school improvement and student success – academically, socially and emotionally. Cuevas’ research on family

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Professor Emerita Barbara Benham Tye

August 30, 2024 by Ronda Kalaji | News

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Barbara Benham Tye, Professor Emerita of Education, the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University remembers her extraordinary contributions to the field of education and her lasting impact on our community. Dr. Tye, a visionary leader and scholar, dedicated her life to advancing education

Introducing Our 2024-2025 New Faculty Members at Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies

August 14, 2024 by Ronda Kalaji | News

Attallah College of Educational Studies is excited to expand our faculty across multiple disciplines as we embark on the 2024-2025 academic year. We are proud to introduce a group of accomplished scholars and passionate educators who will contribute to our mission of creating a meaningful impact through education. Their diverse experiences and perspectives will enrich