Jennifer Cook, EdD, Appointed to National Marine Educators Association Board of Directors

BATON ROUGE, LA – Jennifer Cook, EdD, Office of Clinical Experiences and Certification Coordinator in the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education, was appointed to serve as the Committee Chair for Education Research and Evaluation on the National Marine Educators Association Board of Directors (NMEA). 

I am deeply honored by this appointment and thrilled to serve the National Marine Educators Association. My passion for marine education is rooted in my experiences right here in Louisiana—from my work at LSU to conducting hands-on workshops along our coast—where the goal has been to foster a deep sense of stewardship. As Chair for the Committee on Education Research and Evaluation, I am eager to bring this perspective to the national level. I look forward to collaborating with dedicated educators around the world to champion effective, research-based practices that inspire curiosity and empower the next generation to protect our planet's vital freshwater and marine ecosystems. 

Jennifer Cook, EdD
Office of Clinical Experiences and Certification Coordinator, LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education

Cook currently serves as the secretary and treasurer of the Southern Association of Marine Educators (SAME), a regional chapter of NMEA. Her nomination to the national board is a significant recognition of her expertise and contributions to advancing the understanding and protection of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Before joining the faculty at LSU, Cook was the Education Coordinator at Louisiana Sea Grant where she created teacher lesson plans on the importance of wetlands for the state. She also conducted hands-on outdoor learning experiences for students and teachers throughout the coastal regions. These workshops strove to educate individuals about the issues that are taking place with the state’s coast and created a sense of stewardship for each individual. 

“Dr. Jennifer Cook’s appointment to the National Marine Educators Association Board of Directors is a well-earned recognition of her leadership in environmental and marine education," said Laura Choate, EdD, director of the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education. "Her work exemplifies the Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education’s ongoing commitment to STEM education. We are proud to see her expertise represented on a national level.” 

NMEA is a dedicated, influential member-based organization of classroom teachers, informal educators, university professors, scientists, and more from around the world working together to advance the understanding and protection of our freshwater and marine ecosystems. There are more than 700 educators from more than 300 organizations in 20 different countries within NMEA. Incorporated in 1985, the organization directs multiple national and international initiatives to further its mission of making known the world of water. 

Cook was appointed during the annual NMEA conference held in Lafayette, Louisiana, this year. 

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About the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education
A school of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, the Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education (SOE) offers undergraduate programs for students who want to pursue a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher or acquire dual certification in both traditional elementary and special education classrooms. In addition, SOE offers 3 graduate certificates, 17 master’s degree program areas, 9 EdS certificate programs, and 2 PhD degrees in 11 areas of focus. SOE’s focus is not only on preparing highly qualified teachers but also in preparing educational leaders, curriculum studies scholars, educational technology experts, applied researchers, higher education professionals, school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors. SOE specializes scholarly expertise regarding pressing educational and wellness issues across the entire lifespan.

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About the College of Human Sciences & Education 
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and aims to improve quality of life across the lifespan.
 
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