Jessica Pawlik-York Honored with NEERO Award

Jessica Pawlik-York, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, is the recipient of the 2021 Kim Fries Early Career Award from the New England Educational Research Organization (NEERO).  The award was presented during the NEERO virtual conference on May 2. 

The Kim Fries Award recognizes the work of NEERO members who have demonstrated distinction in the early part of their professional careers. Pawlik-York received multiple letters of support for her nomination, and was described by her colleagues as someone who is “generous with her time and talent” and who demonstrates a constant willingness to support faculty, particularly last year in the face of the abrupt transition to remote learning during the global pandemic.

“As a longtime member and board member of the New England Educational Research Organization, this award means a great deal to me,” Pawlik-York said. “NEERO has been a constant, as a member, strand leader, and board member as I advanced my career in higher education. I am honored to receive this award for early career distinction.”

Pawlik-York joined the University of Hartford in 2019 as assistant dean for undergraduate education in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP). In 2020 she was promoted to associate dean for academic affairs in ENHP, and was named dean of Graduate Studies and Research in January 2021. She has also held administrative and faculty roles at Post University, Fairfield University, and Southern Connecticut State University.

NEERO’s mission is to promote, improve and disseminate information about all forms of educational research, providing a stimulating, supportive and friendly forum for presentations. For more information, visit neero.org.