By Emily Taylor
Will Parnell, EdD, has been awarded the 2021 Hoffman Award, one of the most prestigious honors given by Portland State University, in recognition of his distinguished contributions in instruction, university service, and scholarship in more than 25 years with the university. An accomplished scholar in the field of early childhood education, Parnell is the former co-director of the Helen Gordon Child Development Center, and currently serves as a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Tina Anctil, Associate Dean of the College of Education, described Parnell’s current role as one that is often “thankless and exhausting,” adding, “He oversees literally hundreds of adjunct instructors each year, and mentors over two dozen junior faculty. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the high quality of instruction that the COE is known for.”
Describing Parnell’s style of teaching, Mary Schumacher-Hoerner, current director of the Helen Gordon Child Development Center, said, “As an instructor, Will is open-minded, leading thought-provoking discussions and reflections. He demonstrates much respect for his students, as he does the early childhood teaching profession. He invites his students to think deeply, ask questions, and imagine a world where children are valued for their own contributions to culture and society. He is a positive and influential instructor, who keeps his students in the center of his teaching.”
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