Title: Executive Director for the Institute for Transformative Education
Company: San Diego State University
Location: El Cajon, California, United States
Cynthia Darche Park, PhD, Executive Director for the Institute for Transformative Education at San Diego State University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education.
With decades of experience to her credit, Dr. Park has dedicated her career to advancing educational opportunities for underrepresented and low-income students. Since 1977, she has found success as a pivotal figure at San Diego State University, where she began as an assistant professor and ascended to the position of professor by 2005. Her work has been instrumental in developing academic outreach programs that empower students from marginalized backgrounds. As the executive director of the Institute for Transformative Education since 1994, Dr. Park has excelled in transforming the aforementioned institute into a visionary model that addresses the current needs of the educational landscape, focusing on both high school students and adult learners.
Prior to her tenure at San Diego State University, Dr. Park was active as a research associate at the University of Rhode Island from 1975 to 1977. During this time, she worked closely with the Portuguese community and played a significant role in the developmental efforts for a new university in the Azores, collaborating directly with Senator Pell of Rhode Island. Her expertise in working with diverse communities was further honed during her earlier posts, including her position as a data analyst at Inter-American Research Associates in Lawrence, Kansas, and as a research assistant in the Department of Educational Psychology and Research at The University of Kansas.
Dr. Park initially pursued an education at The George Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and economics in 1966. She subsequently concluded her studies at the University of Kansas, obtaining a master’s degree in linguistics in 1972 before graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in educational psychology and research with a focus on language development in 1981. Her educational background laid the foundation for her expertise in educational psychology, which she has applied throughout her career to foster transformative educational experiences.
In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Park has been actively involved in various industry-related organizations such as the Western Association of Equal Opportunity Personnel and the Council for Opportunity in Education. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Walter O. Mason Award from the Council for Opportunity in Education and an Award for Outstanding Contribution in Science Education from the Regional Association for Teachers of Science.
Dr. Park’s commitment to education extends beyond her professional roles. She is a $1 million donor to the Institute for Transformative Education at San Diego State University, demonstrating her dedication to supporting educational initiatives financially. Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring a published article on the Science Enrichment Program, which highlights students’ identity and academic achievements, along with numerous journal articles, papers, and presentations. Outside of her primary endeavors, Dr. Park enjoys reading novels, going to the gym, exercising, and walking seven miles a day.
Dr. Park attributes much of her success to her parents’ support and guidance, which allowed her to find freedom and pursue her passions. This personal foundation has undoubtedly influenced her professional achievements and ongoing commitment to transforming lives through education. Looking toward the future, she plans to continue supporting underrepresented low-income students in identifying their career choices through higher education while further developing the Institute for Transformative Education by setting goals and exploring funding sources.
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