Dr. Gerardo Mancilla

Dr. Gerardo Mancilla, assistant professor in the School of Education at Edgewood College, was recently honored with the Emerging Leader Award at the Mortar Board National Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The award recognizes an alumni member who exemplifies the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service through their profession or through their service.

“Dr. Mancilla is a true academic leader, and is committed to student learning both in and out of the classroom,” Tim Slekar, Dean of the School of Education at Edgewood College, said in a statement. “His scholarship, program development, and leadership from a social justice framework are exemplary, and we applaud this honor.”

Dr. Mancilla earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction and a master’s degree in Multicultural Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His dissertation focused on Latin@ youth counter-stories in a court diversion program using Critical Race Theory and Latino Critical Theory.

Dr. Mancilla has also served the Madison community in many capacities as the post-secondary chair for the Latino Education Council and on the board of directors for Nuestro Mundo Incorporated and the Vera Court Neighborhood Center.

Mortar Board, Inc. is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership and service, provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to colleges and universities, and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community.

The Emerging Leader award honors an alumni member who has demonstrated remarkable accomplishment in their profession, are noted for outstanding community service, has shown a constant commitment to the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service through their profession, and is a role model for other members.