Kathy Hinchman, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Education and professor of reading and language arts, received the Albert J. Kingston Service Award given by the Literacy Research Association (LRA). Formerly the National Reading Conference (NRC), the LRA honors individuals with the Kingston Award based upon their distinguished contributions and service to the organization.
“We were honored to award Professor Hinchman the 2015 Albert J. Kingston award for outstanding service to the organization,” says Jill Castek, Chairperson of the Awards Committee. “Nominated by her peers, Dr. Hinchman’s contributions and commitment to the LRA have gone above and beyond, and her esteemed work has inspired, motivated, and encouraged many,” says Castek. Hinchman received the honor at the LRA conference on December 5 in Carlsbad, CA.
Hinchman, an accomplished leader and scholar, has been devoted to the LRA for thirty years. She has served the organization in such roles as: conference proposal reviewer; conference area chair; field counsel representative; reviewer and co-editor for the annual LRA Yearbook (a yearly publication of conference papers) and the Journal of Literacy Research formerly known as the Journal of Reading Behavior. She also expanded the reach and impact of literacy research by presenting cutting-edge work at LRA conference(s) and served as area program coordinator with the late Professor Peter Mosenthal. Hinchman also served on the LRA Board of Directors from 2003 to 2005, eventually serving as vice president in 2008, and president in 2009. During her presidential term, she was instrumental in establishing (with Board of Directors support) the Scholars of Color Transitioning into Academic Research Institutions (STAR) mentoring program. Hinchman continues to serve the LRA as a committee member, reviewer, and mentor for STAR.
“Kathy’s receipt of this prestigious award speaks to her stature within the LRA organization,” says Kelly Chandler-Olcott, School of Education Associate Dean for Research and professor of reading and language arts. Professor Chandler-Olcott says she “considers herself fortunate” to have worked as Hinchman’s colleague and collaborator for over twenty years. Chandler-Olcott, along with faculty, students, and School of Education alumni attended the LRA conference.
Known as an intellectual home, the LRA attracts top literacy researchers from across the US and beyond, and is dedicated to promoting research that enriches the knowledge, understanding, and development of literacy learning across life-span stages. The LRA is also a place where doctoral students go to learn, grow, and participate. The annual Albert J. Kingston award honors the work of LRA’s 1965-66 president, Albert Kingston. Professor Kingston dedicated his life to his students and service and played a major role in the development of the LRA.