Okhee Lee Named Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education

Okhee Lee, professor of childhood education at NYU Steinhardt, has been named the endowed Chair titled the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education at New York University.

“This appointment recognizes Professor Lee’s extraordinary scholarly contributions to the fields of science education, multilingual learner research, and equity-focused curriculum development,” says Sarah W. Beck, chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning and professor of English education at Steinhardt. “Her work continues to shape national conversations around inclusive and justice-oriented education, and her impact is deeply felt both in academic circles and in classrooms across the country.”

Lee is widely known for her decades of work at the forefront of advancing research, policy, and practice that simultaneously promote science and language learning for all students, particularly multilingual learners. She has also received many awards, recognitions, and fellowships, including being inducted as a member of the National Academy of Education in 2022 and receiving the Distinguished Contributions to Science Education through Research Award from the National Association for Research in Science Teaching in 2023.

“I am moved to receive this great honor and be recognized by the NYU community,” says Lee. “Being named the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education means much to me personally and validates my professional commitment to improving science and language education for all learners. This position will enable me to focus more time on my research agenda and make greater impacts on the education system.”

The endowed position is named for Dr. Peter L. Agnew, former administrator and professor at the NYU School of Education (now NYU Steinhardt). He was also an alum, having received his Master of Arts and his PhD from NYU.

“On behalf of the entire University, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Okhee Lee on being named the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education,” says Jack H. Knott, Gale and Ira Drukier Dean at NYU Steinhardt. “This prestigious appointment is a testament to her outstanding scholarship, dedication to practical research, and impactful contributions to the field of education. We are proud to have her as a member of the NYU Steinhardt community, and we look forward to her continued excellence and innovation.”

The role of the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education at New York University was previously held by Pedro Noguera, executive director of NYU Steinhardt’s Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools from 2003 through 2015.

Lee’s appointment is effective as of September 1, 2025.