UW–Madison’s Rachel Elizabeth Williams, an assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Policy Studies, has been selected as a 2026 Southern Education Foundation (SEF) Research Fellow.
Williams is among seven distinguished scholars and practitioners chosen through a competitive process for their commitment to advancing education justice across the South. The 2026 cohort represents a diverse group of thinkers and leaders whose work spans education policy, leadership, and opportunity, with a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.
The SEF Research Fellows Program supports the work of Fellows engaged in actionable, evidence-based research to inform policy and practice. As part of the fellowship, participants connect with SEF’s network of researchers, advocates, and policymakers, while also sharing their work through publications and public-facing platforms.
“At SEF, we believe research must lead to action,” said Raymond C. Pierce, SEF president and CEO. “This cohort of Fellows embodies the kind of bold thinking and commitment needed to build a more just and inclusive education system across the South.”
Learn more about the 2026 Southern Education Foundation Research Fellows.