A distinguished professor of education who teaches online with Penn State World Campus has been inducted into a hall of fame that recognizes the contributions of those in the field of adult and continuing education.
William J. Rothwell, who is on the faculty of workforce education and development in the Penn State College of Education, has been named to the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. The announcement was made at an October ceremony in Lexington, Kentucky.
Rothwell teaches in the Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change program.
"I am deeply honored to be recognized by such a prestigious group as the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame,” Rothwell said. “When I review the list of names of people who have been admitted to the Hall of Fame, I find many of the best-known names in the fields of adult education, employee training and development, organization development, and talent development. It is truly an honor to be included with such an esteemed group."
Rothwell’s successful career in adult education, primarily in the advancement of training and development, spans more than five decades. Before becoming a faculty member at Penn State in 1993, he logged nearly 20 years of experience in government and the private sector.
His professional and research background has allowed him to bridge academic discourse in workforce education with industry best practices to teach and research complex issues, significantly contributing to workplace learning, succession planning, and talent management.
Rothwell’s primary passion as a scholar and researcher is developing future scholars and leaders. He has conducted multiple studies in workforce development and has contributed significantly to the literature of the field. His publications include many books, book chapters, and more than 150 articles, as well as numerous national and international presentations on professional management, organization development, succession planning, and human resource development.
Rothwell continues to support and mentor students who graduated more than 30 years ago, modeling his belief that developing individuals goes beyond mere education.
Formally established in 1993 on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame honors leaders in the fields of continuing education and adult learning and serves as a record of inspiration for the next generation of continuing education leaders.
Annually, adult and continuing education leaders from around the world are selected for induction into the Hall of Fame. These individuals reflect the great diversity of adult and continuing education practice and scholarship and the increasingly global leadership community that constitutes the IACE Hall of Fame. More than 300 people have been inducted so far.
Learn more about organization development and change master's degree program that is available online through Penn State World Campus.