The Jack H. and Paula A. Hassinger Chair in Education was established in 1996 to reward distinguished professors who advance and foster education through teaching and administration at any level. The chair honors the life work of Paula Hassinger, who had a distinguished career as an educator, ranging from Chapman University to American elementary schools in Japan and South America. The chair further pays tribute to her husband, Jack, a career educator and administrator who supported numerous teaching efforts in China.
Dr. Scott Danforth is the current Jack H. and Paula A. Hassinger Chair in Education. Dr. Danforth is a professor and the Assistant Dean of Research at Attallah College of Educational Studies. He is a well-known scholar who works on disability studies in education and inclusive education. He is the author or editor of over 90 publications, including 13 books. His scholarship examines political and ethical issues involving disabled young people and schooling. His goal is to foster the development of democratic schools and communities that are accepting, supportive, and caring to all persons.
Previous chairs include Dr. Randy Busse, Dr. Suzanne SooHoo, and Dr. Barbara Benham Tye.