2026 Hardin Scholars

Teacher educators at state funded 4-year institutions and community colleges who teach early childhood and child development courses have created a learning community. Through quarterly meetings they build relationships that result in shared learning experiences. National researchers in the fields of brain development, the impact poverty has on physical growth and cognition, instructional strategies for teaching and elements of family well-being are studied. Field trips, group projects and discussions that stimulate new opportunities that are offered to strategies. At the conclusion of each year, Scholars submit two syllabi they have revised as the result of the yearly study. These syllabi reflect how the Scholars will incorporate information gleaned from the study topics into their instruction.

The Hardin Scholars selected by each college/college dean to represent the institution meet quarterly to review new research findings in the field for the purpose of informing their teaching and research.

Sheri Anders,
East Central Community College — Sheri Anders, East Central Community College

Susan Clark ,
Mississippi State University — Susan Clark , Mississippi State University

Stephanie Davidson,
Jackson State University — Stephanie Davidson, Jackson State University

Ericka Davis,
Jackson State University — Ericka Davis, Jackson State University

Georgia Graham,
Mississippi University for Women — Georgia Graham, Mississippi University for Women

Angel Herring,
University of Southern Mississippi — Angel Herring, University of Southern Mississippi

Gail Lindsey,
Mississippi State University — Gail Lindsey, Mississippi State University

Penny Mansell,
Mississippi University for Women — Penny Mansell, Mississippi University for Women

Martha Ravola,
Alcorn State University — Martha Ravola, Alcorn State University

Michelle Thompson,
Meridian Community College — Michelle Thompson, Meridian Community College

Sushan Vardany,
University of Mississippi — Sushan Vardany, University of Mississippi

Carrie Grace Washer,
Delta State University — Carrie Grace Washer, Delta State University

Holly Weeden,
Itawamba Community College — Holly Weeden, Itawamba Community College

Kenya Wolff,
University of Mississippi — Kenya Wolff, University of Mississippi

Some of the Scholars at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, MS.

Hardin Scholars visited the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, MS.

The Scholars visited the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Hardin Scholars met with Ellen Galinsky in Jackson, MS.

2026 Hardin Scholars

The Center for Early Childhood Policy Advancement