Herrington tapped to lead restructured CLAS center

September 3, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 1)
Article by Peg West

Deborah Herrington was named director of the CLAS Center for Experiential Learning.

A former chair of the Chemistry Department will lead the restructured CLAS Center for Experiential Learning, which now also houses the Regional Math and Science Center.

Deborah Herrington, professor of chemistry, is the new director of CCEL, which serves as a resource supporting university experiential learning objectives, including as a key support for the CLAS Voyage.

Herrington has been at GVSU for 21 years, distinguishing herself in her work on science and chemistry education at both the K-12 level as well as for higher education curricula.

She has received more than $5 million in funding to support research on improving science teaching and learning. Accolades include the GVSU Glenn A. Niemeyer Award for Outstanding Faculty and the Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year Award.

CLAS Interim Dean Donovan Anderson said Herrington brings a "uniquely broad skill set" to this leadership role now overseeing the work of both centers.

"She is an accomplished academic, a collaborative leader and a prolific grant writer," Anderson said. "Her experience with training K-12 teachers coupled with over 15 years of incorporating experiential learning into her courses, provides her with a deep understanding of the needs of both centers. Under her guidance, each center will maintain its own mission while streamlining their administrative needs, resulting in a community engagement resource for the entire college.”

Herrington said she is looking forward to strengthening students' experiential learning opportunities through enhanced networks.

“This position perfectly aligns my two passions: creating meaningful learning experiences for our students and supporting K-12 science and math education," Herrington said. "The initial work of the center teams will be to expand our partnerships with GVSU's diverse centers and offices focused on experiential learning and to grow our support for PK-12 teachers and students beyond STEM disciplines.

"I am grateful to the RMSC and CCEL staff whose knowledge and expertise have made this transition seamless. This allows us to focus on strategic planning to increase our community impact.”