Dear GSE Alumni Community,

We are about half-way into the quarter, and what an exciting one it’s been so far. We welcomed several new faculty, new cohorts of master’s and doctoral students, and a new center than expands our capacity to make a positive impact on society. Oh, and we’ve moved into a new space. For those of you visiting campus this weekend for the GSE’s Reunion Homecoming events, OH MY GOODNESS. What an unbelievable transformation!

We are still at the heart of Stanford, where you remember us. Our buildings also retain historic features that you’ll recognize. But for the first time, our community is in one place designed to support collaboration, connection, and convening. It’s dynamic and inviting – and importantly drawing the rest of the university to educational scholarship.

Throughout this transition, the GSE has stayed true to its mission. We produce groundbreaking research, model programs and exceptional leaders to achieve accessible, equitable and effective education for all learners. Here are more details about the latest happenings at the school:

New faculty
Our fabulous new faculty members come from all over the country. They are exceptional scholars who will enrich our research and teaching. I’m excited for them to get to know Stanford and to contribute to our community:

● Monica Ellwood-Lowe, assistant professor, early childhood learning
● Meira Levinson, professor, philosophy of education (Jan 2026)
● Tairan Qiu, assistant professor, English language arts
● Katharine Sadowsky, assistant professor, early childhood policy
● Beth Schueler, associate professor, education policy and politics
● Adriana Umana-Taylor, professor, adolescent development (July 2026)

New center
The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society is now part of the GSE. GSE Professor Tricia Bromley shares the co-directorship of PACS with Sociology Professor Robb Willer. We’re eager for this new collaboration, as education is a cornerstone of civil society, and philanthropy can play a large role.

New learning opportunities
I encourage each of our alumni to embrace the many opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth that the school provides, whether you participate in a virtual workshop or panel, network with current students and other alums, or connect with us on a brand new initiative. If you’re in Los Angeles in November, I’d love to see you at the Open Minds tour, where I will be recording a live episode of School’s In with my cohost Denise Pope. Let us continue to inspire one another and cultivate a supportive, innovative environment here at the GSE and the broader Stanford ecosystem.

Whatever the world may bring, I wish you all a fulfilling fall season.

Sincerely,

Dan Schwartz

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