Reason named Fellow for Association for the Study of Higher Education

Robert Reason, professor in Iowa State University’s School of Education and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Health and Human Sciences, has been named a Fellow for the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE).

Founded in 1976, ASHE is a scholarly association dedicated to advancing the study of higher education through research, dialogue, and professional development. With more than 2,000 members, ASHE fosters a deeper understanding of equitable higher education that serves the public good.

For its 50^th anniversary, ASHE selected 25 scholars for its inaugural class of Fellows, recognizing their integrity, advancement of knowledge, mentoring, and service.

“I could not be prouder to be selected as part of the inaugural group of ASHE Fellows. I attended my first ASHE Conference in 1999, and it has been an intellectual home since,” Reason said. “It is not only a place to share my research and test out ideas, but a place to learn from others. Many of my longest professional friendships and scholarly collaborations were born there.”

In her nomination letter, Ann Gansemer-Topf, director of the School of Education, highlighted Reason’s contributions that exemplify the qualities recognized by ASHE. As editor of the Journal of College Student Development, he promotes equitable and fair peer review practices. His research on student retention and persistence, published in over 40 peer-reviewed journals, shapes how higher education professionals advance student success. At Iowa State, Reason mentors graduate students and early-career faculty through collaborative research and publications, and he consistently demonstrates a commitment to service.

“I have countless examples of Dr. Reason agreeing to teach over his course load, advising additional students, and filling in committee vacancies,” Gansemer-Topf wrote. “These seemingly small activities speak volumes to Dr. Reason’s commitment to service.”

Reason will officially be inducted as an ASHE Fellow at the association’s annual conference this week. He will then serve as a reviewer for future Fellows classes and continue his active engagement with ASHE.