UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — William Diehl, associate teaching professor of education in the College of Education, has been honored with the 2025 Shirley Hendrick Award, presented by the Penn State Commission for Adult Learners for service to adult learners.
The Shirley Hendrick Award recognizes an administrator Universitywide who has contributed to the success of Penn State’s efforts to serve adult learners. The award is named in memory of Shirley Hendrick (1936–2000), the first recipient, dean for continuing education in the Smeal College of Business and inaugural chair of the Commission for Adult Learners, who advocated for continuing education.
Nominators said Diehl has been instrumental to the success of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy–Penn State Fellowship Program, offered through Penn State World Campus. It’s a selective program that annually helps 10-20 elite Army sergeants earn master’s degrees in lifelong learning and adult education. These graduates go on to become staff instructors and program developers in the academy.
Nominators said these nontraditional students are often not able to attend college because of their military commitments overseas, often in combat zones.
“They are non-traditional in that they might not have access to broadband, quiet spaces, and a mindset to conduct research and discovery. When they do return home they are conflicted both mentally and physically with the harsh realities and consequences of warfare,” a nominator said. “It takes an extraordinary professor to be able to connect with these men and women, encourage them to continue with their studies and eventually graduate from Penn State. Dr. Diehl is the primary reason the fellowship program has been a success.”
Nominators said Diehl demonstrates leadership, support and advocacy for these students throughout the Penn State community. He’s also a champion for strategic initiatives for integrating effective teaching practices for these students. He is the primary instructor in the program and the thesis mentor for the graduates. During and after enrollment, nominators said, many of the students seek him out for formal and informal mentoring.
“Diehl incorporates the strengths of Penn State and builds a bridge to the Sergeants major as they complete their degrees,” a nominator said. “His Army cohorts are purposely integrated with the civilian adult learners to add texture and diversity to the courses.”
Nominators said Diehl works with leaders at Penn State and the Army to ensure the program’s success. He travels to Fort Bliss three times a year for student orientation, adding a personal touch for soldiers beginning their academic career.
Many students have continued their academic journey after the program, nominators said, earning doctoral degrees at schools such as Vanderbilt, Kansas State and University of South Carolina. Two have been accepted into the College of Education’s new Doctor of Education program degree, offered through World Campus. Others have gone on to be leaders in the education sector.
“Dr. Diehl has inspired an audience of unique nontraditional students to use their education for the greater good, albeit the soldiers have given so much of themselves already,” a nominator said. “Because of their Penn State degree and Dr. Diehl’s incredible connection, they continue to give back to our country and communities.”