Dean Frances Kochan

Dr. Frances Kochan, dean of Auburn University's College of Education, makes frequent visits to Tallahassee, Fla., to visit family. A recent return trip reinforced her status as a valued member of the Florida State University College of Education family.

During Florida State's 34^th annual homecoming celebration on Nov. 15, Kochan received one of the College of Education's Distinguished Alumni awards. Kochan, who earned a doctorate in adult education and policy studies from the school in 1991, was selected as the college's outstanding alumna in higher education.

Kochan received one of two awards presented by the college to recognize achievement in postsecondary education. The other award recognizes excellence at the community college level. According to the selection criteria, nominees must be current or former holders of teaching or leadership positions with local, state or national educational organizations, a postsecondary educational institution or an educational policy-making or review board. Nominees must also have published articles, book chapters, books and/or technical reports that reflect scholarship and research into or advancement of the profession.

Florida State's College of Education honors graduates who have distinguished themselves in service to their profession or through scholarly, creative and humanitarian pursuits.

Kochan received the college's Distinguished Educator Award in 2002.

After earning her doctorate from Florida State, Kochan served on the university's College of Education faculty and as chair before coming to Auburn University in 1994. Kochan, who became dean of Auburn University's College of Education in 2005 after serving in an interim capacity for three years. She had previously served as director of the Truman Pierce Institute and earned full professor status in the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology.