“Dr. Hite’s tenacity and commitment to improve and advance science education are an inspiration to us all, defining the level of excellence requisite in an OLISE awardee”
January 7, 2025 – The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) is proud to announce that Dr. Rebecca Hite, Associate Professor of Science Education, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Leadership in Science Education (OLISE) Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Hite’s extensive contributions to advancing science education across K-12, higher education, and the broader professional community.
The OLISE Award, presented annually at the NSELA Annual Conference, celebrates exceptional leadership that impacts students, educators, and the science education field at multiple levels. Dr. Hite’s impressive career exemplifies the criteria of this award through her dedication to science education research, informing and advancing educational policy, and providing service to others in pursuit of STEM access for all.
Dr. Hite’s career in science education started as a K-12 science teacher and continued through service as a legislative fellow and now as an endowed professor of professional development in science education. Her contributions include authoring over 60 peer-reviewed journal and scientific articles, coauthoring several practitioner focused works, such as Developing and Sustaining STEM Programs across the K-12 Education Landscape (2023), and designing and supporting STEM outreach at various levels as founding co-director of the Center for Advocacy in Teacher Leadership for Youth and Schools with Technology (CATALYST). Dr. Hite’s colleagues recognize and value her transformative leadership and meaningful contributions to science education. “Dr. Hite’s tenacity and commitment to improve and advance science education are an inspiration to us all, defining the level of excellence requisite in an OLISE awardee,” noted NSELA President Dr. Candace Penrod, adding, “We are thrilled to recognize Rebecca and her contributions to advancing science education.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Hite has been recognized as an exemplary leader, including the Outstanding Researcher Award from TTU; a Mentorship award for Under/Graduate Students in STEM Education from the ASTE; and the John C. Park National Technology Leadership Initiative (NTLI) Fellowship Award. These awards exemplify the breadth and impact of Dr. Hite’s contributions to the field of science education.
The 2026 OLISE Award will be presented to Dr. Hite during the NSELA Annual Conference luncheon this spring, where science education leaders from across the nation will gather to celebrate his achievements. The award includes a $1,000 prize and a commemorative plaque.
For more information about the NSELA Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award, visit https://nsela.org/Outstanding-Leadership-in-Science-Education.
About NSELA
The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) is dedicated to building a robust community of science education leaders by providing professional learning, resources, and opportunities to enhance leadership in science teaching and learning.