Beth Pesnell

Dr. Pesnell is deeply committed to institutional, professional, and community service. At Kansas State University, she has served on University-level committees such as the University Committee on Academic Technology Tools, the Teaching Facilities Working Group, and the University Honor Council. Dr. Pesnell also participates in college-level curriculum and program initiatives, having co-led the Elementary Course Revisions Committee and leading a task force to support student success for licensure exams. She has served as a member of the Military Intiatives Committee and as a reviewer for Outstanding Undergraduate Student Awards. She also contributes to recruitment and student engagement through events such as Future Educator’s Day, Grandparent's University, and the College of Education’s education symposiums.

Dr. Pesnell's most significant professional service occurs at the national level. She is the Associate Editor for NSTA’s Science & Children journal, a Board Director for NSTA, and serves on the Outstanding Science Trade Book Committee. She is a reviewer for national NSTA conference proposals, a former chair of NSTA’s Nominations Committee, and a peer reviewer for multiple educational research journals. She served as a member of the EQuIP Peer Review Panel, where she evaluated NGSS-aligned lessons and units, supporting instructional materials development across the country. Dr. Pesnell has also provided extensive professional development through NGSS@NSTA and through her work with the National Institute for STEM Education.

Dr. Pesnell's public and community service includes coordinating Family Science, Math, and STEM Nights with area districts (USD 383 and USD 475), developing a university-school partnership with Ware Elementary (USD 475) to support a 21st Century STEM grant, and facilitating STEM engagement events for programs such as Grandparents University and the College of Education’s Open House. These experiences meaningful service to families and create opportunities for preservice teachers to engage in authentic STEM facilitation within the community.