College of Education receives 2026 Outstanding Holmes Program award

Brittne Paramore holding an award and smiling.
February 27, 2026

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) selected the Purdue University College of Education as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Holmes Program Award.

Purdue’s Holmes Program is directed by Brittne Paramore, director of the College’s Office of Student Success and Global Engagement. Paramore will accept the award on Purdue’s behalf at the AACTE conference (Feb. 20).

This award, overseen by the AACTE Holmes Programmatic Advisory Committee, recognizes Holmes Program institutions that demonstrate exemplary and innovative practices in supporting graduate students, resulting in increased productivity of its scholars. Since 1991, the AACTE Holmes Scholars® Program has built a pipeline of education leaders and scholars, reflecting the richness of America’s student population. The program supports master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral students through mentorship, peer support, and professional development opportunities.

Purdue’s program has launched initiatives like the Mentor Match & Pipeline Partnership (M4P) Program and the Equity-Focused Research and Wellness Retreat to support the graduate experience of the scholars within their program.

“Brittne Paramore single-handedly revamped our Holmes Scholars Program over the last three years,” said Phillip J. VanFossen, interim dean of the College of Education at Purdue University. “She developed programming with renewed focus on scholars’ growth through academic support and leadership opportunities that prepare future practitioners to shape educational practices as faculty, administrators, and leaders. This success makes this award very well-deserved.”

“Purdue University has built a Holmes Program that meaningfully invests in scholars’ research, leadership, and academic growth,” said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, PhD, AACTE president and CEO. “Its commitment to supporting emerging leaders strengthens our entire profession. We congratulate Purdue on this well-deserved recognition.”

Source: AACTE