Lesa Clarkson, 2023 Outstanding Community Service Award Recipient

Lesa Clarkson, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), was recently honored with the University’s Outstanding Community Service Award.

The University of Minnesota Outstanding Community Service Awards recognize faculty, staff, students, and University-affiliated community partners who, by devoting their time, talents, and expertise to serve the public good, have made significant, demonstrable, and direct contributions to society’s well-being. This is the university’s highest award for these efforts.

In her award statement Lesa shared, “Nominees for the Outstanding Community Service Award should demonstrate work that advances more than their own scholarship. They should build a case to reflect selflessness and genuine commitment to community-based issues. These characteristics are a foundation for my service. I envision what is possible in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for urban learners. My work with mathematics (primarily in urban settings) is comprehensive – working not only with underserved students in urban schools but also with their urban teachers and their community at large. I view the lack of diversity in STEM fields as a matter of social justice and the motivator for my community service projects.”