Jonathan Vontsteen, a May 2024 graduate of the doctoral program in developmental education at Texas State University, has been honored with the Susan E. Hashway Outstanding Dissertation Award. The accolade, presented annually by the National Organization for Student Success, recognizes exceptional research contributions in developmental education and student support.
The award commemorates Susan E. Hashway, a pioneer in the field who taught in Grambling State University’s graduate program for developmental education. The award underscores the importance of advancing scholarship and practice in developmental education, a mission Vontsteen has embraced wholeheartedly.
A First-Generation Journey
Vontsteen’s academic journey began as a first-generation college student at Valdosta State University in Georgia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religious studies. He later pursued a master’s degree in applied philosophy and ethics at TXST, serving as an instructional assistant and teaching ethics and society courses for two years post-graduation.
“I loved teaching philosophy, but I often struggled with how to help students critically challenge their deeply held beliefs,” Vontsteen explained. “I realized I wanted to understand how people internalize information so I could improve teaching methods. That’s what led me to developmental education.”
Vontsteen’s decision to join the Ph.D. program in developmental education with a concentration in learning support marked a turning point. “I never looked back,” he said.
Trailblazing Research
Vontsteen’s dissertation research focuses on faculty and staff development in developmental education spaces, such as tutoring and writing centers. He has interviewed professional development facilitators to explore their use of learning theories, the content of their sessions, audience engagement, and their overall experiences.
“My goal is to understand how we can better support the professionals who play a critical role in student success,” Vontsteen said. “Good research is the backbone of great pedagogy.”
Beyond his dissertation, Vontsteen’s research and publications span topics ranging from student success strategies to correctional education. He has taught in prison education programs, published research on incarcerated students’ needs, and is collaborating with Clemson University to create open educational resources for faculty and students in correctional education programs.
“These materials, modeled after the learning frameworks courses I’ve taught at Texas State, aim to help students develop self-regulatory habits for academic persistence,” he said. “One of my co-authors, Riley McDermott, is currently incarcerated and has been an incredible collaborator, tutoring fellow inmates and contributing to our work.”
Empowering Students
At TXST, Vontsteen works as a student development specialist in the IDEA Center, where he provides academic coaching and tutoring for undergraduate students involved in research projects. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support students as they develop their academic and creative potential,” he said.
Receiving the Susan E. Hashway Award has elevated Vontsteen’s profile within his field and allowed him to take a step forward in his goal of becoming a Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations (CLADEA) fellow — an honor bestowed upon leaders, researchers, and practitioners recognized as prominent forces in the field of developmental education.
“This recognition affirms the impact of my work and opens doors for further research opportunities,” he said. “It’s a step toward my ultimate goal of becoming a CLADEA fellow, the highest honor in developmental education, and it’s a goal I am deeply passionate about.”
Vontsteen credits his success to his focus on practical, impactful research and encourages others to pursue similar opportunities. “If you think your work is rigorous and impactful, chances are someone else will too,” he said. “Apply for the awards. Love yourself and your work.”
With his passion for teaching and commitment to advancing developmental education, Vontsteen exemplifies the spirit of the Susan E. Hashway Outstanding Dissertation Award and continues to inspire others in his field.