UMaine’s Ferrini-Mundy receives national award for public service
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) has named University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to education research and public policy.
The award, presented annually by AERA, honors an individual who has played a leading role in enacting or implementing research-based education policies and/or has significantly advanced the visibility and support of education research.
Ferrini-Mundy has served as president of the University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, since 2018. She was appointed vice chancellor for research and innovation for the University of Maine System in 2021. Her career spans the fields of mathematics education, STEM education and policy, teacher education and research administration.
Before joining UMaine, Ferrini-Mundy served as chief operating officer of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Prior to that role, she led NSF’s Directorate for Education and Human Resources. Currently, she holds two prestigious national-level positions, serving as a member of the National Science Board and as chair of the board of directors of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).
“Throughout her distinguished career, President Ferrini-Mundy has championed research to inform and improve education policy and student outcomes,” said University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “It is an honor to work with her and I applaud her for this well-deserved recognition.”
Founded in 1916, AERA is a national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. With more than 25,000 members representing disciplines including education, psychology, sociology, economics, and political science, AERA promotes the generation and practical application of research to improve education.
Ferrini-Mundy will receive her award later this month at AERA’s annual meeting in Denver.
Contact: John Diamond, diamond@maine.edu