February 20, 2018
Mercer named to Ingram's Icons of Education
Ingram's magazine has selected Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, as one of its Icons of Education in 2018.
Ingram's announced its selections in the February edition. The annual list recognizes top-tier educators in the region.
Mercer joined the administration in 2010 and was named dean in 2012. During her leadership tenure, the college has amassed 14 regional, national and international awards; reimagined the delivery model for distance students in a teacher preparation program that has captured national attention; expanded the breadth of graduate degree programs offered at K-State Olathe; instituted the first global think tank dedicated to research in academic advising; and conceptualized and organized the state's first Teacher Recruitment and Retention Summit.
"I am truly honored to be recognized as an Icon of Education," Mercer said. "I have the incredible fortune of working alongside impeccable colleagues who arrive each day and take on the challenges of creating and innovating — all with the goal of making our programs stronger, improving schools both here and nationwide, and building an equitable society for all. It is rewarding knowing that our efforts and expertise are valued and recognized."
Mercer's road to the deanship at K-State began as a library media specialist then a kindergarten teacher in a rural Kansas school district. After six years, she began work as a graduate teaching assistant at K-State then in 1998 accepted a faculty position at Fort Hays State University. She quickly ascended through the ranks and was named interim dean in 2005 then dean in 2006, a position she held until her appointment at K-State.
Mercer holds four degrees from Kansas State University: a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading and English as a Second Language; a master's degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in reading and language arts; a bachelor's in elementary education; and a bachelor's in family and child development.