Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Public Affairs and Education continues to distinguish itself as a hub for impactful, community-engaged research, with recent national and regional conference appearances showcasing its growing influence in the fields of education and counseling psychology. 

At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA)—the world’s largest and most prestigious education research conference—CSU’s School of Education and Counseling was prominently represented. Held in Denver, Colorado, the highly competitive conference accepts fewer than half of all submissions. Yet, CSU faculty and graduate students presented an impressive 23 papers and posters, placing the school among the most active contributors from research institutions and colleges of education across Ohio. In total, 26 CSU scholars contributed, reinforcing the school’s role as a center of excellence among colleges of education in Ohio. 

Demonstrating a deep commitment to community partnerships and inclusive research, Levin faculty facilitated the participation of two high school teachers and two high school students who collaborate on university-led projects. Their presence at AERA reflects the School’s mission to democratize research and elevate practitioner and youth voices in shaping the future of education. 

Meanwhile, CSU’s Urban Education Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program made a powerful impact at the 36th Annual Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference, held March 21–22 at Wayne State University in Detroit. With a theme of “Counseling Psychology Rooted in Community: Advancing Critical Consciousness and Systemic Change,” the conference provided a timely forum for CSU faculty and students to showcase their scholarship and engage in pressing conversations about equity, advocacy, and care. 

Dr. Casey Hinger, assistant professor of counseling psychology, mentored five student-led research presentations and co-led a dynamic roundtable discussion titled “Counseling Psychology & Social Justice in Challenging Times” alongside colleagues Drs. Julia Phillips, Tawanda Greer-Medley, and Sharon Bowman of Ball State University. The roundtable addressed the impact of national and state-level policy changes, offering strategies for resilience. 

“This conference was a great opportunity to highlight the student-led research in our program,” said Hinger, an assistant professor of counseling psychology in the School of Education and Counseling (SEC). “Our students had their research seen by the president in our field (Dr. Mel Wilcox of the Society of Counseling Psychology, APA Division 17) and had the opportunity to chat with her about their experiences and concerns as we navigate what ‘advancing critical consciousness and systemic change’ means in our current world.” 

Looking ahead, CSU has been selected to host the 2026 Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference, bringing the event to Cleveland next spring. Students and faculty from the Levin College will take a lead role in organizing the gathering, which rotates annually among Midwest institutions. The conference will also feature an open call for presentation proposals, inviting participation from both students and community partners. 

From national stages to regional forums, the School of Education and Counseling is demonstrating what it means to lead with purpose, partnership, and passion.