Image: Dr. Karen Webber, Professor Emerita at the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, has been named the 2025 recipient of the John Stecklein Distinguished Member Award by the Association of Institutional Research (AIR). This prestigious honor recognizes AIR members whose professional careers have significantly advanced the field of institutional research (IR) through exemplary leadership, service, and scholarship. From her 15-year tenure in the Office of Institutional Research and Planning at the University of Delaware, to serving as Director of Institutional Research, Interim Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, and full-time McBee IHE faculty member at the University of Georgia, Dr. Webber has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of scholarly rigor, administrative leadership, and a deep commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of IR professionals. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a longtime member of AIR, and has held numerous leadership roles within the association, culminating in serving as President (2022-2023), where her leadership was instrumental in supporting the professional development of countless IR practitioners. Dr. Webber has authored or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, 10 books and monographs, and numerous book chapters and conference presentations. Her research has addressed critical issues in higher education, including student success, graduate student debt, faculty satisfaction, gender equity, and the ethical use of data analytics in higher education. Her outstanding scholarly contributions were recognized with her receiving the AIR’s 2018 Sidney Suslow Scholar Award, which is the highest honor the AIR bestows on an individual. Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Webber is widely celebrated for her mentorship. She has served on more than 40 dissertation committees and is known for her unwavering support of graduate students and early-career professionals. Her annual graduate student gatherings at the AIR Forum have become a cornerstone of community-building and professional development within the association. Dr. Webber’s career exemplifies the spirit of the John Stecklein Distinguished Member Award. Her legacy is one of scholarship, service, and a profound dedication to advancing institutional research as both a discipline and a community. Type of News/Audience: General News
