Faculty Member Honored with AERA Award for Scholarly Contributions

William Perez, a professor at Loyola Marymount University and chair of LMU School of Education 's Department of Educational Leadership, is the recipient of the 2026 Scholars of Color in Education Distinguished Career Contribution Award presented by the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Perez was recognized, along with other honorees, at AERA's award ceremony luncheon on April 9 during the association's 2026 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

The Scholars of Color in Education Distinguished Career Contribution Award is presented to a senior-level scholar, usually 20 years or more after receipt of a doctoral degree. It recognizes scholars who have contributed significantly to the understanding of issues that disproportionately affect minority populations, and minority scholars who have made a significant contribution to education research and development.

Perez's research focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in P-20 settings, Latinx education, undocumented and deported students, ethnic identity, civic engagement, multilingualism, academic achievement, and achievement motivation. His research has helped inform higher education policy and practice, and has introduced new perspectives to theories of human development in the context of global migration. He is recognized as one of the nation's leading academic experts on undocumented students, and has authored 74 academic journal articles, books, chapters, and technical reports. His research has been cited in more than 4,900 studies across numerous academic fields.

His most recent book, "Culturally Responsive Schooling for Indigenous Mexican Students," was named a 2025 Senior Scholar Book of the Year by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. Perez was also honored with the 2009 Mildred Garcia Prize for Excellence in Research from the Association for the Study of Higher Education for his book, "We ARE Americans: Undocumented Students Pursuing the American Dream." His follow-up title, "Americans by Heart: Undocumented Latino Students and the Promise of Higher Education," was selected for the 2013 Critics Choice Award by the American Educational Studies Association. For four consecutive years (2015-18), he was selected for Education Week's annual ranking of the top 200 university-based scholars in the U.S. who are doing the most to influence educational policy and practice.

"Dr. Perez's selection for this award is a testament to his decades-long focus on increasing our collective understanding of immigrant student experiences," said Estela Zarate, dean of SOE. "His scholarship has continued to call our attention to the intersection of migration, immigration, and education policy in the U.S., and builds essential bridges for students who have historically been underserved."

Perez earned his doctorate in child and adolescent development and educational psychology from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Pomona College.

"We are honored to recognize the recipients of the 2026 awards, an outstanding and inspiring group of education researchers and leaders," said Tabbye Chavous, AERA executive director. "Their contributions continue to advance education research and positively impact countless students, educators, and the environments in which they live, learn, and work."

The American Educational Research Association is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education, and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve public good.