UNIONDALE, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 8, 2025 / Marquis Who's Who honors Cynthia Park, PhD, for her expertise in education. As executive director of the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE) at San Diego State University (SDSU), Dr. Park has shaped how universities connect with students and communities. Newly inducted into Marquis Who's Who listings as a Top Educator, she has devoted 59 years to educational equity.

Student Growth Through Civic Engagement

Dr. Park's current research focuses on enhancing service-learning pedagogy. In plain terms, it means developing student engagement and civic responsibility. The project spans multiple semesters and encourages students to take on civic responsibility.

"Service learning is very important because it serves as a fulcrum for what universities can do to get students to engage with their community," Dr. Park says. "It's a matter of not only being able to develop students but students who are citizens."

Grant Funding That Drives Change

Since 2000, Dr. Park has served as a principal investigator and director at the San Diego State University Research Foundation. In this capacity, she secured over $45.6 million in external funding. Grants from federal and academic institutions have helped create educational opportunities spanning from pre-college to university levels.

Dr. Park's leadership at ITE includes mentoring, staff development and long-term planning. One of her proudest accomplishments is helping the institute become a model that supports high school students and adult learners. A standout feature of the organization is its focus on addressing the needs of historically underrepresented communities.

Influences That Cross Cultures and Borders

Before her tenure at San Diego State University began in 1977, Dr. Park was a research associate at the University of Rhode Island. While there, she helped support Title I and Title VII bilingual education programs for two years. The work involved the Portuguese-speaking communities in the Azores. Additionally, she taught linguistics in Colombia and provided English training to executives at ExxonMobil.

Dr. Park's international experiences influenced her inclusive approach to education. "Leadership in my field is animated by a constant drive to make things better for our students and the community," she says. As a result, she emphasizes the importance of seeing individual strengths and supporting people on their terms.

Honors in Science and Education

Dr. Park's academic background includes a master's degree and a PhD from the University of Kansas. In 2005, she was promoted to full professor at SDSU. In this role, she continues to mentor students through the university's Faculty-to-Student Mentorship Program. Additionally, she co-wrote an article on the science enrichment program that highlights the impact of student identity on academic achievement.

Moreover, Dr. Park has earned several honors throughout her career. These accolades include the Walter O. Mason Award from the Council for Opportunity and Education and recognition from the Western Association of Equal Opportunity Personnel. The Regional Association for Teachers of Science recognized her for contributing to science education. Dr. Park credits her success to mentors, her parents and the broader community support.

An Expanded Vision for All Students

Public education is at the top of Dr. Park's mind. However, she has noticed the rise of community-based charter schools. What's noteworthy is how these institutions have the flexibility to try new approaches. Moreover, she believes the public sector could learn valuable lessons from these schools.

In the meantime, Dr. Park has pledged $1 million to support future initiatives at ITE. Additionally, she continues to refine the institute's model with plans to grow its reach and funding. One long-term goal is to build structures that support sustainable success for students of all backgrounds.

Outside work, Dr. Park enjoys reading and walking seven miles daily. Although she initially resisted a career in education, she was inspired by her mother's dedication as a principal in Puerto Rico. Dr. Park accepted an emergency teaching role in Washington, D.C., which has evolved into nearly 60 years of educational excellence.

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SOURCE: Marquis Who's Who