By Marian Cracraft
UW–Madison alumus Joseph Romero-Reyes, who earned his PhD from the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA), is the recipient of the 2024-2025 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Division J Dissertation of the Year Award.
Romero-Reyes’ dissertation, titled “Cultivating and Activating Assets in the Vertical Transfer Journey of First-Generation and Low-Income Men of Color in Community College,” illuminates the strengths of these students as they navigate the path from community college to four-year universities.
For his research, Romero-Reyes conducted a multisite case study at two community colleges implementing Men of Color initiatives to support students’ vertical transfer aspirations. Shifting away from deficit-based narratives, his work significantly advances our understanding of how first-generation, low-income men of color engage with institutional support systems and leverage community assets to achieve academic success.
“I am truly humbled by AERA’s acknowledgment of my work,” said Romero Reyes, who is now an assistant professor of Community College Leadership and Higher Education at Iowa State University. “A lot of hours and labor went into writing this dissertation, and I have to give a big shoutout to my doctoral advisor and mentor, Dr. Xueli Wang. Today would not have been possible without her love, care, guidance, and support throughout my doctoral journey.”
Romero-Reyes added: “This award is also a reflection of the dedication and work of everyone in ELPA, the School of Education, and the UW–Madison community. In a time when the work we do in higher and postsecondary education faces significant pushback, this honor is a reminder that student narratives of resilience and perseverance need to be told.”
Xueli Wang, the Barbara and Glenn Thompson Professor in Educational Leadership, commented, “Joseph has been doing some of the most meaningful and impactful work that touches the lives of countless community college students in realizing their talent, potential, hopes, and dreams. His thoughtful, reflective, and caring approach makes his scholarship exceptionally credible and powerful. I have no doubt his work will continue to shape the field and transform the lives of students for years to come.”
Romero-Reyes will receive his award during AERA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Denver on Saturday, April 26.