Board of Trustees action recognizes Dr. O’Connor’s leadership in advancing evidence-based teaching; new endowed fund will sustain the Center’s work.
The Palo Alto University Board of Trustees has approved the renaming of the Center for Educational Excellence in honor of President Emerita Maureen O’Connor, PhD. The Center for Educational Excellence will now be known as the Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning, recognizing Dr. O’Connor’s commitment to advancing excellence in teaching, evidence-based pedagogy, and faculty development throughout her presidency and academic career.
In addition, an endowed fund has been established in her honor to support the Center’s work in perpetuity. The fund reflects Dr. O’Connor’s deep investment in building a university culture that celebrates innovation in teaching and learning.
“President Emerita Maureen O’Connor has championed excellence in teaching, pedagogy, and faculty development long before these priorities became national imperatives,” said President Farouk Dey. “Her vision strengthened the academic core of Palo Alto University and ensured that student learning remains central to our mission. We are deeply grateful for her enduring leadership and proud to carry forward her legacy through the Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning.”
A Legacy Rooted in Teaching and Scholarship
Established in 2015, the Center for Educational Excellence (CEE), originally the Office of Faculty Learning and Instructional Development, was created to strengthen instructional practice and support professional growth. Under Dr. O’Connor’s presidency in 2016, CEE prioritized faculty development as a cornerstone of institutional excellence, investing in the Center’s growth and expanding its scope to address the full continuum of teaching, learning, and educational innovation.
Under her leadership, CEE evolved into a hub for faculty and student workshops, course design support, and inclusive pedagogy training. It has played a vital role in enhancing the learning experience for both on-campus and online students, promoting evidence-based teaching practices, and fostering a collaborative academic community.
“Higher education is rapidly evolving, and we are committed to being at the forefront of that change," said President Emerita Maureen O’Connor. “The Center for Educational Excellence embodies this mission empowering faculty, staff, and students to become thoughtful, innovative educators who create inclusive and transformative learning experiences.”
Dr. O’Connor’s scholarly contributions mirror this institutional focus. She is the co-author of Teaching Psychology: An Evidence-Based Approach (1st Edition, 2019) with Jillian Grose-Fifer and Patricia J. Brooks, a seminal work emphasizing the intersection of research and practice in university teaching. Her writing and leadership have inspired generations of faculty to ground their teaching in science and reflection.
Ensuring the Future of Inclusive Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching
The Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning Endowed Fund will ensure that the Center continues to thrive for decades to come, supporting new initiatives in faculty development, teaching innovation, and pedagogical research.
As PAU celebrates its 50th anniversary, this renaming serves as both a tribute and a commitment - honoring Dr. O’Connor’s profound influence on the university while reaffirming PAU’s dedication to advancing excellence in teaching and learning.
Learn More
🔗 About the Retirement Fundraiser for Dr. Maureen O’Connor
🔗About the Center for Educational Excellence (PAU)
Make a Gift
Support the Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning Endowed Fund