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K-State Today

December 8, 2015

Polson inducted to International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

Cheryl Polson, professor of adult education, associate dean for the Graduate School and director of K-State at Fort Leavenworth graduate programs and outreach, was inducted into the 20th International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame on Nov. 18 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Polson has 37 years of experience working with diverse adult populations and has been an advocate for improving adult education practice. She has been a strong advocate for how research and existing knowledge can improve adult education practice. Polson has co-edited a book that provides the field with a contemporary view of military education. She introduced adult education concepts and literature to practitioners working in disciplines outside the field that include homeland security and meat and poultry food safety training.

The International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame honors leaders in the fields of continuing education and adult learning and serves as a record of inspiration for the next generation of continuing education leaders. Adult and continuing education leaders from around the world are selected annually for induction into the hall. Individuals who are inducted reflect the diversity of adult and continuing education practice and scholarship and the increasingly global leadership community.

"During her many years of service, she has provided insightful contributions to the field regarding military education, adult students in higher education, as well as other key contributions to the education of practitioners regarding adult learning best practices," said Carol E. Kasworm, North Carolina State University professor of adult and community college education and a colleague who nominated Polson for this honor. "Dr. Polson's most significant contribution has been her commitment to serving military-connected learners."

Some of Polson's most notable achievements in adult education include her published paper, "Teaching Adult Scholars," which has been described by colleagues as the most practical and useful article published on teaching adult learners; her co-authored book, "Responding to Adult Learners in Higher Education," which combined theory and research of adult education and college student development; and securing numerous Department of Defense contracts to support the development of programs devoted to enhancing military faculty development, brigade command spouse education and the education of senior civilian government leaders.

"As a colleague, I have been impressed with the significant leadership and contributions to the field of adult and continuing education by Dr. Cheryl Polson during her career," Kasworm said. "In particular, she has been recognized through a variety of national awards for her major leadership in military education at the graduate level, the professional continuing education arena, and in her scholarly contributions through her work at Kansas State University."

"This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Polson for her significant career contributions to adult education, said Carol Shanklin, dean of the Graduate School. Throughout her career she has mentored numerous graduate students completing their master's degrees while attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. She has also spent time recruiting, retaining and helping many adult education master's students graduate programs."