Robert C. Pianta

College of Education and Human Development, October 7, 2016

Robert C. Pianta received a Ph.D. in psychology in 1986 from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. Pianta is the dean of the Curry School of Education, Novartis US Foundation Professor of Education, and professor of psychology at the University of Virginia. He is also founding director of the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL), and director of the National Center for Research in Early Childhood Education. Pianta is recognized internationally as one of the premier scholars in early childhood education and development as well as a leading higher education administrator. His research has focused on the education and development of high-risk children in schools and on teacher preparation. He has published approximately 250 articles in high quality refereed professional journals, more than 25 book chapters, and 12 books. In addition, he is a regular author of policy papers for the National Institute on Child Health and Development. Pianta is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition for his accomplishments. In 2014, he received the School of Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association Senior Scientist Award, and both the University of Connecticut (2014) and the University of Minnesota School Psychology Program (2007) presented him a Distinguished Alumnus Award.